The Boris Johnson road show arrived in St Margarets on Friday as the Conservative heavyweight turned out in support of Twickenham candidate Tania Mathias.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

All smiles: Businesses appreciated the visit 

Mr Johnson, who hopes to win a parliamentary seat himself in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, took part in a whistle-stop tour of the high street’s independent businesses.

The Mayor of London attracted plenty of attention from both Tory supporters and passersby as he campaigned to help Dr Mathias oust Liberal Democrat Vince Cable in the constituency.

He told the Richmond and Twickenham Times: "Tania certainly can [upset the bookmakers’ odds].

"She is getting a great reception from everyone and local shop keepers want to support her. She will help young people get into work and will keep Twickenham moving."

He also gave his seal of approval for ‘the other Boris’, a blonde lookalike guinea pig who appeared on the Daily Politics Show last week.

He added: "Yes, yes, I do like Boris the guinea pig as well."

As white van drivers tooted their horns and teenage girls took selfies with Mr Johnson, he also managed to visit a number of St Margarets shops.

Susan Roster, from the Secret Wardrobe, said: "He knew I was a small business and was asking how business was going - it was great to be acknowledged."

The Mayor of London also popped into Armstrong Butchers, where Darren Armstrong said he had "a quick look around" and "he seemed interested in the pies".

Streets Florist and Greengrocer owner Carlos Nunez said he was delighted Mr Johnson visited his store and signed a bag for him.

His wife Sandra added: "He just came to say hello and he did make the effort to shake my hand - he is all for small businesses."

As well as members of the public, Mr Johnson was surrounded by party activists and local councillors who all hoped to catch a glimpse of him in action.

Hampton Wick councillor and former Richmond Council leader Tony Arbour said: "The vibe in St Margarets is the same as across the country for the Tories.

"We are home and dry - Ed Miliband has not shown himself to be worthy of being Prime Minister."