Mayor of London Boris Johnson spoke about bus service cuts and the need for more new housing during a visit to Golders Green.

The Mayor called into shops and cafes along Golders Green Road during a visit to support Finchley and Golders Green Conservative candidate Mike Freer today.

On the future of the number 13 bus route from Golders Green to central London, which TfL is proposing to cut, Mr Johnson said: “I am aware of this and I am going to take it back to TfL tomorrow. I want to thank Mike Freer for the campaign he has led.”

Mr Johnson, who is standing as the Conservative candidate in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, said the party wanted to “take this country forward”, and spoke of the need to “inspire and encourage our young people”.

Speaking about housing in Finchley and Golders Green, he said the country needed to keep building more homes.

He added: “We are building more homes in London than any time since Margaret Thatcher came to power, thanks to guts and determination. We have also got to make sure landlords follow the London renting standard.”

Asked if any existing train stations were under threat of closure due to the Brent Cross Cricklewood development - after Chancellor George Osborne announced funding for a new station last month – he said: “None as far as I know.”

Mike Freer said: “The last I heard, they want to keep both stations open because they serve different communities. The new station will have a fast link to Farringdon.”

Speaking about the number 13 bus, the Conservative candidate said he met TfL last month to tell them the proposals were “unacceptable”.

He added: “I don’t just stand and have a photo taken. I asked them to explain why they think it’s underused. Their answer is it will bring a 24-hour service.

“Although making the 82 route 24-hour and increasing its capacity is welcome, it does not mean the 13 should be withdrawn.”