Ray Lewis: You Ask The Questions

Do any of Boris Johnson's past racial comments worry you?

Micah Jacob, Hackney

Racism should worry any balanced, open-minded thinker. I would not be doing this job if the comments worried me – it is about what I can add and the advice I can give.

Boris said you're "inspirational". What do you find inspirational about Boris?

Lynn Cootes, Watford

His openness and willingness to do what is best for London.

Aren't you just a knee-jerk appointment to help Johnson appear more multiculturally aware?

Rick Havers, Stoke Newington

London requires action beyond multicultural awareness to make it a fair and equal place to live for everyone. I will be uncompromising in doing my bit to make this happen.

Do you ride a bike to work like Boris? If not why not?

Brioni Nuttal, by email

We have a good public transport system, and using this is convenient for me to travel the distances I do, especially now with my new job.

How will we judge you a success?

Matt Penn, Bromley

My job will be to work alongside others to help local communities contribute to making London an even better place to live and work, with a special focus on young people.

Have you got your eye on the top job one day?

Nigel Collins, Stepney Green

My appointment was a complete surprise. I will always want to stay close to my roots and in whatever way I can work for my local community so I can say no to that.

Would you support an immigration amnesty, and how can the Mayor's office bring it about?

Matt Barlow, by email

National immigration policy is beyond the remit of the London Mayor. But the Mayor's office will of course work to ensure the capital's long-term prosperity with all Londoners.

Why are black kids underperforming in the capital?

Gerard Hopkin, Dulwich

There is no simple or single answer to this. If there were, others far more qualified than me would have found the answer years ago. I will however work hard to ensure greater opportunities for all our young people and to raise the aspirations of the current generation.

Would you send all young offenders to boot camp if you could?

Jake Randall, Old Street, London

Not at all – there are many things that can help offenders to live a fulfilling life away from crime. I will be working with all sections of the public sector to ensure that we have in place options that work.

Is London gripped by a gang culture?

Lucy Carr, Manchester

Dealing with real gangs or fears about them is a main priority for me. I am taking immediate steps to ensure long-term changes that will make London safer.

How will you tackle teenage shootings?

Declan F, Whitechapel

These kinds of deaths are traumatic for London as a whole. Safety must continue to be a priority and concern for all who live and work here.

Is the shallow materialism of modern society to blame for the alienation of young people?

Mark Downing, by email

Few would argue that modern values add to many of the social dysfunctions we see around us. Reversing this is a huge task that will require communities all over the capital to play their part.

How much blame should be attached to parents of antisocial teenagers?

Sandy Kennedy, Brighton

Many things contribute to a mind-set and social environment that can make young people feel as though they want to break the rules. I am certain that we need to tackle a wide range of issues and have in place a range of well co-ordinated community activities.

You were excluded from school yourself. What did you do wrong and how did you manage to turn it round?

Chris Wyatt, by email

I am not going to go into the details but the benefits of getting older has revealed that I chose to ignore the lessons that others had learnt and sought to pass on. However, one or two people were important in patiently helping me realise this.

Has Operation Trident failed?

Chester Hernandez, Southwark

The Metropolitan Police along with many others do an important and invaluable job in preventing crime and helping Londoners feel safe. I will work with all involved to make changes that further improve safetyin London

Do you have complete faith that Sir Ian Blair is the right man to head the Metropolitan Police?

Stephen Markovic, Southgate

What stands out for me in the recent controversy is that on balance he has been a great public servant in steering the capital's police force in turbulent times of extreme, threat, fear and disaster.

You once said you wanted to get black kids from the courtrooms to the boardrooms. How?

Will Bremer, by email

Giving young people personal and social tools and raising their aspirations in my experience are key to getting them out of the spiral of deprivation and exclusion.

Will you be running for a seat in the House of Commons at the next general election?

John Hamilton, by email

I'm already too old and tired for that! My dream would be to see one of the boys who attend my academy do it.

Just a few years ago, you said you "couldn't stand the Conservatives". What changed?

Rachel Sachs, by email

I am driven not by party politics, but bringing changes to the quality of life and opportunity for young people. My statement equally applied to Labour, the Liberals or any other political party. I will continue to work with all political persuasions to improve the future for young people in London.

As a former prison governor, do you think we send too many people to jail?

Pradeep Ramesh, Bow

Imprisonment is only one thing we can do as a society to stop crime. I will ensure that in London we develop a whole range of strategies to not simply deter but prevent crime.

Do you agree with the re-classification of cannabis?

Margaret Ross, Lincoln

This hugely controversial issue has convincing and compelling arguments on both sides. I am certain that the present government has carefully considered all the evidence and on balance made the decision it thinks will benefit us most.

Have you used illegal drugs, and if yes, which ones? And did you enjoy them?

Ken Chalmers, by email

I am not going to get into this area but suffice to say the Government classifies some drugs as illegal for very good reasons aimed at protecting personal health, safety and the public good. On this personal issue my view is that everyone and young people in particular, should make themselves fully awareness of the effects and dangers of drugs use.

Do you support hanging as the ultimate deterrent?

Ben Collins, Leeds

I support the law. My hope for us as a society and global community is that we get ourselves to a place where this extreme deterrent is unnecessary. I will work with others to make the changes that move us towards this point.