2 weeks ago
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Tory mayors Andy Street and Ben Houchen have shunned their party's brand in the run-up to today's elections.
But it appears there is one Conservative they are happy to turn to for support: Boris Johnson.
Mr Street sent a letter to West Midlands voters in which the former prime minister tells them to 'forget the Government'.
Mr Johnson has also recorded a video in support of Lord Houchen in which he asks people in Tees Valley to re-elect their mayor.
His intervention comes as the country goes to the polls today to vote in local council – and 11 mayoral – elections.
Boris Johnson backed Tory mayors Andy Street and Ben Houchen in the local elections
Andy Street (pictured) sent a letter to West Midlands voters in which the former prime minister tells them to 'forget the Government'
In his video for Mr Houchen (pictured), Mr Johnson says: 'He is a guy who does what he says he's going to do'
The Tories are predicted to lose 500 council seats – half of those the party is defending.
Mr Street and Mr Houchen both led campaigns focusing on their personal brand, with little mention of the party or Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
In his endorsement of Mr Street, Mr Johnson writes: 'Forget about the Government. Forget about Westminster. This election is about the next four years in the West Midlands – and who you want in charge.'
He adds: 'You might not like everything the Conservatives have done. But you won't like anything Labour would do.'
In his video for Mr Houchen, Mr Johnson says: 'He is a guy who does what he says he's going to do.'
