MPs encouraged to show full support for Olympic bid

Culture secretary Tessa Jowell and sports minister Richard Caborn will be writing to peers and members of parliament this week, urging them to fully support London’s bid to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

The letter will emphasise how the whole country, not just London, will benefit from hosting the Games.

Caborn and Jowell will outline the many economic and health benefits of the capital becoming a host city and ask MPs to promote the idea within their local constituencies as well as on a national level.

However, all does appear to be running smoothly for the 2012 bid team. Barbara Cassani, London 2012’s original chair, recently stepped back to concentrate on the technical aspects of the bid; letting let Lord Coe take over the chair’s role after London’s International Olympic Committee (IOC) application did not achieve the warm reception anticipated.

She has subsequently been demoted even further, after MI Associates was appointed to prepare London’s candidature file – previously Cassani’s job.

Project manager Jane Willacy and bid ambassador – and chief executive of X-Leisure – PY Gerbeau, have both since resigned over Cassani’s treatment.

However, Prime Minister Tony Blair, said recently: “The British government is delighted to give its full support to the London bid for 2012.

“Winning the Games would be good news for London and for all of the UK. I hope everyone in the country will get behind the campaign.” Details: www.london2012.org