In an interview with internet TV station 18 Doughty Street Steve Norris has given his strongest indication yet that he will seek to run as the Conservatives Mayoral candidate next year.
Mr Norris mounted strong campaigns against Ken Livingstone in both 2000 and 2004. Last July he told GMTV that he would be prepared to “fall on my sword” and not stand again if asked to do so by David Cameron.
Norris uses the interview to criticise how the traditional media only focus of the Mayoral election in the last few weeks, limiting the ability of challengers to build their profile.
He also condemns the “ease” with which some Tory activists dismiss the popularity and campaigning ability of current Mayor Ken Livingstone.
Sounding confident Norris tells interviewer Iain Dale: “If I run, I’ll win”.
The full interview can be seen on the 18 Doughty Street website.
However Norris will have stiff competition to become the official candidate.
It’s been reported that Nicholas Boles is to step down as Chief Executive of the Policy Exchange think tank to concentrate on his bid to secure the nomination.
