London Mayor Boris Johnson was criticised for leaving High Speed 2 out of his election transport manifesto

High numbers of attractive women is the best thing about London, Mayor Boris Johnson said.

What makes conurbations like the capital city great is “reproductive choice,” he told New York magazine.

“We seek cities because there are a greater range of girls at the bar, of reproductive choice. Number one.” said Mr Johnson during a wide-ranging interview to promote his latest book.

“Number two is there are better outcomes for health and wealth. And now we care more about the environment, and cities are better for the environment.

“But above all, talented people seek cities for fame. They can’t get famous in the f*****g village.”

Johnson certainly lived up - or down, to his description of himself during the interview as a “libertarian anarcho-tory.”

Disclosing that he wants one day to lead the country, Mr Johnson incongruously said his hunger for a new airport to serve London was helping to drive his personal quest for power.

“London is the most commercially important city in Europe, and it’s the most populous city,” he said.

“We have to have a new airport. One of the only reasons I want to assume supreme power in England is to make sure that happens.”

“For God’s sake, don’t quote me saying that,” he was quoted saying straight away.