Boris Johnson has confirmed that he wants to become the Conservative’s candidate for Mayor of London.
Earlier this month the BBC’s Nick Robinson reported that the party were seeking to draft the Henley MP as their candidate for Mayor of London. At the time Mr Johnson said “there are huge obstacles – above all my commitment and responsibility to my constituency. It is hard to see how those difficulties could be overcome – but I am ruling nothing out.”
However today Mr Johnson said he would be a candidate in the Conservative’s ‘primary’ which will allow Londoners a say in the choice of candidate.
Last friday an article ‘confirming’ his candidacy was posted on the MP’s website although it was later removed from the front of the site.
Mr Johnson has told today’s Evening Standard: “The opportunity is too great and the prize too wonderful to miss… the chance to represent London and speak for Londoners.”
The deadline for applications to become Conservative candidate is 16 July, with a short list drawn up by 3 August. Votes for the final candidate will close on 26 September.