Howard regrets sacking Boris
Former Tory leader Michael Howard regrets sacking Boris Johnson in 2004, he has told the BBC.
In an interview for a Radio 4 profile of the Mayor of London Mr Howard said: "I think I was wrong to sack him and it’s something I regret".
Mr Johnson is to use his surge in popularity to try to attract investment in London by embarking on a series of overseas trips, starting at the end of the year.
He is expected to promote the capital on visits to the Middle East, Brazil, China and India. An ally told the Times: "His contact with sovereign wealth funds and big business leaders, as well as his draw as a political personality, is a key selling point for a lot of these people."