Reluctant Boris Johnson is looked after by Gordon’s bodyguard

Boris Johnson is being guarded by Gordon Brown’s former close protection officer during the Olympic Games.

As the country’s biggest security operation begins, the Home Office has assigned police officers to several people who do not usually have protection, including Locog chief Seb Coe.

Evening Standard understands that the officer was assigned to Mr Johnson after advice from the Home Office and security services, although there was no specific threat. The officer will follow him at “public facing events” across London.

It is believed the Mayor has always declined police protection in the past and it is understood that he would rather not retain his services once the Games are over.

A spokesman for Mr Johnson said: “We do not comment on security issues involving the Mayor.” A Met Police spokesman said: “We never comment on security issues.”