BORIS’ ‘JAMIE OLIVER’ SPEECH SPARKS FRENZY AT CPON EVENT

WAT-ER PERFORMANCE! BORIS CAPITIVATES THE AUDIENCE

Boris Johnson was at the epicentre of a media frenzy yesterday, following his speech at CPON’s fringe event.

In the absence of any apparent newsworthy items from the Conservative Party Conference, Boris received widespread publicity after appearing critical of Jamie Oliver’s attempts to introduce healthier school meals.

Mr. Johnson declared that his campaign was doomed to fail for as long as chips, burgers and other junk foods were available to pupils.

The comments were in no way derogatory to Jamie Oliver, but were meant to highlight the uphill battle he faces to change social eating habits.

BORIS, MERRICK & CPON: (l-r) Richard Newman, Kate Stinton, Richard Robeson (front), Richard Coates, Morgan Einon, Boris Johnson, Robert Booth, Cllr. Merrick Cockell, Barry Macleod-Cullinane and Philip Wilson

To emphasise the point, Mr. Johnson criticised some parents for actively selling junk food to pupils outside schools where healthier food had been introduced, a practice he vehemently opposes.   

 CPON’s 2006 conference event livened up what many political commentators have so far considered a quiet Conservative Party Conference.  

From the moment it was announced that Boris Johnson was to be CPON’s guest speaker it was anticipated that the event would prove a huge success. And so it was. In sweltering conditions, a packed audience heard Mr. Johnson’s views in relation to everything and anything, including; failure in education, the Labour Government, and the Tories’ new tree logo.

However, the main talking point surrounded Mr. Johnson’s views on Jamie Oliver’s campaign

Richard Ashton, CPON’s Chairman, said, “I would like to thank Mr. Johnson for his brave and forthright speech. Mr. Johnson is unique in politics for his straightforward manner, and it underpins his huge popularity with the British public.

“CPON’s fringe events are a platform for politicians to espouse their opinions on the issues of the day. It is not for CPON to condemn or condone their views.

“We were delighted that Mr. Johnson accepted our invitation to speak at the event, and we have no regrets whatsoever about the subsequent publicity his speech created. He thrilled the audience with a speech that covered every aspect of politics, and provided a worthy debate for the media and the public to get their teeth into.

“Politics would be impoverished without the talents of Mr. Johnson. He is a unique, and for that we are very grateful.”