“Arrogant” London Mayor Boris Johnson faced a major backlash yesterday following his decision to go ahead with water cannon despite no approval from the Home Office.  

Mr Johnson revealed earlier this week he had ordered two water-cannon vehicles at a cost of around £130,000 for use by the Metropolitan Police in London.

The London mayor made the decision despite the fact he has not yet been granted approval for the deployment of the weapons by Home Secretary Theresa May.

David Cameron’s official spokesman said that the PM supported the police having water cannon in principle, but the correct licensing procedures to be followed before permission is granted.

Responding to the news Green peer Baroness Jenny Jones said: “Pre-empting the Home Secretary’s decision is rash and smacks of arrogance on the Mayor’s part, not to mention a possible waste of taxpayers’ money at a time when the Met is making huge cuts. It’s also ignoring the views of the vast majority of Londoners who don’t want water cannon.”