Elizabeth Barrett

Boris Johnson, London's new Conservative mayor, yesterday handed his New York counterpart Michael Bloomberg a novelty shirt of the London Underground, as the pair met to discuss the challenges of running a world-class city.

The two mayors took in the view from the balcony of London's City Hall before returning inside to exchange novelty gifts.

Mayor Bloomberg presented Mr Johnson with a Tiffany crystal Big Apple paperweight, before the flamboyant Tory returned the favour.

The pair then retired behind closed doors for talks, where they were expected to touch on policies relating to transport, education and skills, congestion and the environment and policing.

Outside City Hall there were tense exchanges as newly elected BNP London Assembly member Richard Barnbrook was confronted by protestors.

Mr Barnbrook was challenged by the 17-strong group of banner-waving Socialist Party supporters.

Ben Robinson, 22, national co-ordinator for the International Socialist Resistance, said: "There is a lot that is rotten about the BNP but they have managed to get support on the basis of protest votes."

Following the meeting, Mr Johnson announced the establishment of an exchange programme between the cities.

The Innovation Exchange Programme will allow officials from both cities to visit each other to share ideas.

Mr Johnson said: "I have been particularly impressed by Mayor Bloomberg's achievements in expanding educational opportunities, providing more accountable government and delivering taxpayer value."

Mr Bloomberg added: "New York and London have a special relationship as two of the world's greatest cities."