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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| Duncan Smith challenges Boris Johnson about dog track | Duncan Smith challenges Boris Johnson about dog track |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith says he is "absolutely furious" about London Mayor Boris Johnson's approval of a scheme for Walthamstow dog track in east London. | Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith says he is "absolutely furious" about London Mayor Boris Johnson's approval of a scheme for Walthamstow dog track in east London. |
| The Chingford MP said his constituents had been asking "What's the point of Boris?" and that he believed leaders had to take tough decisions. | |
| On Tuesday the mayor allowed a plan for 294 homes and a leisure complex to be built at the Grade II listed stadium. | On Tuesday the mayor allowed a plan for 294 homes and a leisure complex to be built at the Grade II listed stadium. |
| He said it would be a "major boost". | He said it would be a "major boost". |
| 'Tough decisions' | |
| But speaking on BBC London 94.9, Conservative cabinet member Mr Duncan Smith said he was "absolutely furious" at the decision made by his Tory "friend" - which will mean an end to dog racing at the site. | |
| "This is a bad decision and I have constituents of mine saying 'What's the point of Boris?'." | |
| He went on to question Mr Johnson's leadership. | |
| He said: "I've been secretary of state for a while. You take tough decisions. | |
| "Sometimes when your officials tell you that this might happen, you say 'Lots of things might happen but I tell you what will happen. I'm going to overrule this or make a decision here'. | |
| "And that's what it takes to be in charge and to be leader. Sometimes you have to take a few risks." | |
| He said his constituents were "deeply, deeply disappointed". | |
| In 2010 Mr Johnson said he was dismayed there may not be any more dog racing in Walthamstow. | |
| He said he hoped a development would come forward which would make it possible. | |
| 'Preserve heritage' | |
| On Tuesday, he said he "shared the sadness of many about the demise of dog racing from this historic corner of London". | |
| Mr Duncan Smith said: "I don't doubt that's what he wants but the thing about being in charge is when you want something you have to stand by it. | |
| "As a friend of his I say I am really deeply deeply disappointed." | |
| Mr Johnson said: "A huge £2m contribution to the surrounding community has been secured from the developer which will deliver vastly improved local sports and leisure facilities for generations of east Londoners to enjoy." | |
| Andy Rowland, a director at London & Quadrant Housing Trust, said: "We look forward to beginning work as soon as we can, subject to meeting the remaining conditions in the planning process. | |
| "Our scheme will bring £50m worth of investment into the borough, including £3.8m to improve local leisure, education, health and transport facilities. | |
| "This will preserve the architectural heritage of this iconic and historic site for the whole community." |