British conservatives are hoping they can borrow a piece of New York City – former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, to be exact.
Unnamed friends of Bloomberg told the Sunday Times of London that the billionaire ex-mayor is “considering” running as the Tory candidate, according to the New York Post. London will elect Boris Johnson’s successor in May 2016.
While the transatlantic move seems unlikely, powerful Brits have already publicly endorsed the idea. Steve Hilton, an adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, is one such figure urging Bloomberg to run.
“It would be an incredible coup for London if Mike Bloomberg could be persuaded to run for mayor here,” Hilton said. “His kind of pragmatic, problem-solving leadership is exactly what London needs.”
Even Johnson has discussed the idea with Bloomberg, the London Times reported.
“Mike is an enormous friend of London. He’s a great contributor to the city. He’s got many supporters and admirers, of which Boris is definitely one,” a source said.[NYP | Sunday Times of London] – Christopher Cameron