For now, Boris, my old enemy, I salute you

I have been implacably hostile to Boris Johnson for a decade. Entertaining and hugely clever chap he is indeed, wonderful way with words, but for me he is a laughing cavalier whose privileged life is an affront. Some questionable remarks about black people confirmed to anti-racists that he was never going to be for us. When he was elected Mayor I wept and cursed. Yet today I find my resistance to the Mayor is melting, and fast. I can hardly believe it myself.

I still believe it was important to question his racial attitudes. But people change. He has, or so it seems. So I must too.

Four times recently I have cheered loudly as Boris unveiled big ideas and policies. He is still rubbish when questioned on detail, not his forte. But the proposals are innovative and stirring.

Guaranteeing a minimum wage for City Hall staff was just and counter-intuitive. Next, his call for an amnesty for working illegal migrants is a brave move, immensely risky for a man of his ambitions. Much of the country is seethingly anti-immigration and the Tory leadership is furious with him. But the Mayor's reasons make sense. We are losing tax because so many migrants are in the black economy, and it is absurd to think that 400,000 people can be deported forthwith.

Welcome, too, were Boris's ambitions for affordable housing, both to rent and buy. Kate Davies, CEO of Notting Hill Housing Association, rightly describes the plan as "a myth-busting milestone". The Mayor's flexible package responds to our craving for property ownership. The Left, my side, has never understood this desire.

The arts programme he announced this week is aspirational and democratic, designed to break the divide between high and low art for both artists and consumers. He plans a festival to tell the eclectic story of this capital made and re-made by incomers, from the Roman times. I tire of cultural separation and conventional ethnic celebrations. This dynamic idea will bring us together.

Finally, the man who once described green campaigns as "mumbo jumbo" yesterday announced a programme to green the capital.

No doubt the Mayor will raise my hackles again. But for now, he deserves and gets my warm support. Te saluto!