New London Mayor Sadiq Khan to sell off Boris Johnson’s controversial water cannons
Former mayor purchased second hand cannons from Germany for more than £200,000
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan will sell three second hand water cannons bought by his predecessor Boris Johnson and use the proceeds to fund youth services.
He said it "beggers belief" that Londoners are paying to store the cannons, which have never been used in the capital.
In his first State of London debate the new mayor said: "One of the deals Boris Johnson managed to do with the Germans was to buy three water cannons. Now what I'm going to do is sell them and use the money for youth services.
"This shows the inability of Boris Johnson to get a good deal. Second hand - paid almost quarter of a million pounds. We are paying for storage facilities for these water cannons, it beggers belief."
Boris Johnson approved the purchase of the 25-year-old cannons from Germany for more than £200,000 in 2014 after police said they wanted more tools at their dispersal following the 2011 London riots.
In 2015 Home Secretary and Conservative leadership contender Theresa May banned their use in England and Wales on medical grounds.
It was the second time this week that Mr Johnson was mocked for his purchase of the cannons.
Launching her bid to be the country's next Prime Minister Mrs May said: "Boris negotiated in Europe.
"Last time he did a deal with the Germans he came back with three nearly new water cannons."
In a shock announcement yesterday Mr Johnson said he would not stand to be leader of the Conservative Party.
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