London Mayor Boris Johnson paid a fleeting visit to Sutton high street to speak with shoppers and traders.

Flanked by an entourage of camera-snapping Conservative supporters, Mr Johnson enthusiastically strolled down the high street with Philippa Stroud, Tory parliamentary candidate for Sutton and Cheam.

The politician, known for his gaffes, dodged workmen and machinery digging up the street, took impromptu hugs from passersby, posed for photos with young fans and was unfazed as some girls shouted “we love you Boris” and an elderly man shouted “change the system”.

He then answered a question on whether Sutton council’s biggest Olympic coup of a commemorative pin badge featuring Honeywood Museum - which will cost residents £6 to buy - was a fair distribution of wealth given the east end would receive a spiralling statue.

He said: “All London boroughs will get a share.

"There is a body set up to judge projects and Sutton will get help to see what projects it can take on.”

Rounding off his ten-minute, whistle-stop tour before he was promptly driven away, he said he believed that Mrs Stroud could take the seat currently held by Lib Dem’s Paul Burstow.

He said: “I’m very confident. I think we stand a good chance.

“I spend a lot of time campaigning and rarely have I met someone as committed and talented as Mrs Stroud.”