article_snippet: That means the controversial riot control machines will lay idle, in a potential embarrassment for the mayor.
article_snippet: Soon after buying the controversial riot control machines last year, Boris Johnson said it was ‘highly likely’ the Home Secretary would sign their off, adding:
article_snippet: At the time the London Mayor purchased the machines, the London Mayor was warned the machines could be a waste of taxpayers’ money.
article_snippet: When Mr Johnson purchased the machines Mr Johnson said it was 'highly likely' the Home Secretary would sign off on their use, a political gamble that seems to have backfired .
article_snippet: But Mr Johnson stressed the chances of the machines being used in the capital, or other mainland cities, remained 'vanishingly rare'.