Mayor of London Boris Johnson and Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne pledged to address the housing shortage during a visit to new flats in Edgware today.

The high-profile Tory politicians toured the building site that is to become Aura Homes, in Burnt Oak Broadway, Edgware.

Earlier today, the two announced plans to identify public sector sites in London for future housebuilding.

Mr Johnson and Mr Osborne were given a short demonstration of plastering by the builders at the development, which is being built by Weston Homes PLC.

A one-bedroom flat will cost roughly £210,000, with three bedroom flats ranging from £315,000 to £375,000.

The homes are intended to be 'affordable' and help first-time buyers get on the property ladder.

Mr Johnson said: “Not everyone will qualify for them because some people’s incomes may be deemed to be too high but we have to build homes for all types of groups.”

When asked whether the homes could in fact be considered ‘affordable’, he said: “There are things, you will find, that will suit everyone’s pockets and needs.”

Mr Osborne said: “We have launched a long-term plan and housing is at the centre of it. Together we are working to make sure things are affordable and are making the effort to address the housing shortage.”

Mr Osborne and Mayor Johnson were joined by Conservative candidate for Harrow West, Hannah David, and current MP Bob Blackman.