Boris Johnson 'the last thing London needs' » Local Government » 24dash.com

Boris Johnson has indicated that he is considering standing as Tory candidate for Mayor of London.

Mr Johnson said there were logistical difficulties which would be hard to overcome, particularly his responsibility to his constituents in Oxfordshire.

But the flamboyant Conservative MP insisted he was "ruling nothing out".

He said: "Being Mayor of London would be a fantastic job and anyone who loves London would want to consider the possibility very carefully.

"I want to stress that this idea did not come from David Cameron or from anyone in his office but I have, of course, been very struck by the number of people who have been urging me to run.

"In my case, 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."

Earlier, Mr Johnson had said he was "definitely not a candidate" and "greatly enjoying what I'm doing".

The Conservatives have been looking for a high-profile candidate to challenge Ken Livingstone, who has been mayor since 2000.

Former BBC director-general Greg Dyke had been approached but ruled himself out because he did not want to represent one political party. Ex-prime minister Sir John Major has also dismissed the idea of standing as Conservative candidate.

London Labour MEP Mary Honeyball, meanwhile, has warned against electing a "world- buffoon" as the capital's mayor.

The Henley-on-Thames MP has said he is not ruling out running for mayor after being pressed to stand as the official Tory candidate.

Ms Honeyball made clear she was horrified by the prospect.

"London is a world- city, the last thing we need is a world- buffoon as a Tory candidate for mayor," she said.

"Boris can't even commit to being a full-time MP. London has enough serious issues to demand a full-time politician."

She added: "The Tories have already approached a number of people outside their party to be their candidate.

"That they have had to resort to Boris shows the lack of talent in the Tory Party."

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