Boris Johnson gave his last public speech as Mayor of London last week at Southwark’s annual John Harvard Lecture.
Mr Johnson discussed housing prices and Brexit at the Old Vic event – although he did need to dodge Garden Bridge protestors as he entered the venue, cheerily dismissing them as being angry only because “it hasn’t been built faster!”
The annual lecture was established in 2007 with the aim of bringing to light some of the key issues within modern society. Previously given by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the lecture also celebrates the life and work of John Harvard. Harvard was born in Southwark and lived in the borough before moving in 1637 to America, where he helped found the famous Boston university.
Southwark Council leader Peter John: “Despite our differing political views, Boris has worked well with Southwark during his time as mayor to deliver on our common aims, such as building more homes and transforming run down areas.”
“We’re also extremely grateful to The Old Vic for hosting the event, building on our already close relationship. We work closely with the theatre through their Stage Business project, to ensure Southwark young people have access to this world class theatre, and the opportunity to develop their skills and aspirations through participation in the arts.”
Actually, Harvard University isn’t in Boston, it is in _Cambridge_, Massachusetts, known as ‘New Town’ in John Harvard’s day.