Mayor of London, Boris Johnson visited Chiswick this week and praised Mary’s tireless work as a local campaigner, particularly her efforts to persuade him and Transport for London to stop the Piccadilly line at Turnham Green.

He arrived at Turnham Green station where he was immediately surrounded by supporters, residents and media. Boris praised the work done by Mary Macleod to get the Piccadilly line to stop at Turnham Green and committed to making it happen by 2018.

On his walkabout, Boris called in to say hello to several businesses including Hack and Veldt, Snap Dragon, Mackens, Bayley & Sage, Charlotte’s Bistro, Nikki’s Bakery, De Joli and Outsider Tart. He couldn’t resist picking up a coffee from Hack and Veldt. He also chatted to many shoppers on the way, handing out Mary Macleod literature and stopping for lots of photos.

Boris said:

“I’m here today to support the wonderful Mary Macleod. It was Mary who persuaded me that we should stop the Piccadilly line at Turnham Green throughout the day, and I will make sure that it happens for residents of Chiswick. Mary has been a great MP and I want to do everything I can to make sure she gets back in.”

There were more refreshments on offer at their next stop, Sipsmith Distillery. Mary and Boris were greeted by Fairfax Hall, co-founder of Sipsmith who told them about their story. Sipsmith is the first copper distillery of premium gin in London since 1820. They opened the business during the height of the economic crisis and have gone from strength to strength ever since, now exporting to more than 25 countries.

The final stop in Chiswick was to Villa di Geggiano, a family-run Italian restaurant on Chiswick High Road. Ilona Pacia from Villa di Geggiano told Boris that their family’s vineyard in Tuscany was one of the first to sell Chianti wine to the UK.

Mary commented:

“I was delighted that Boris came to join me in Chiswick today – he is a passionate supporter of London and it was great to show him just a small taste of what makes Chiswick special. Much has been achieved in last 5 years with unemployment down 37%, 9400 more businesses, 2400 new apprenticeships, 4 new schools and a 16% reduction in crime last year. But there is more to do. I don't want to risk all that has been done with the chaos, confusion, more spending, more borrowing and mansion tax from Ed Miliband.

“This is the most important election in a generation and every vote will count. I do hope Chiswick residents will judge me on my record and support me on 7th May. I will then continue to work tirelessly for them."