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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| Boris 'likely to run for mayor' | Boris 'likely to run for mayor' |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| Boris Johnson is expected to run against Ken Livingstone for London mayor, it has been reported. | Boris Johnson is expected to run against Ken Livingstone for London mayor, it has been reported. |
| The Henley MP is likely to add his name to the list of Tory hopefuls before Monday's applications deadline, according to the Daily Telegraph. | The Henley MP is likely to add his name to the list of Tory hopefuls before Monday's applications deadline, according to the Daily Telegraph. |
| The newspaper, for which Mr Johnson writes a column, said Conservative Party leader David Cameron had spoken to him about the possibility. | The newspaper, for which Mr Johnson writes a column, said Conservative Party leader David Cameron had spoken to him about the possibility. |
| But a spokesman for Mr Johnson told the BBC no decision had been made. | But a spokesman for Mr Johnson told the BBC no decision had been made. |
| 'Honoured' | 'Honoured' |
| Speaking last week, he said he was "definitely not a candidate" for next year's election, citing the "logistical difficulties" of his position as an MP. | Speaking last week, he said he was "definitely not a candidate" for next year's election, citing the "logistical difficulties" of his position as an MP. |
| But he added that he was "honoured to be thought of in this context" and that it would be a "fantastic job". | But he added that he was "honoured to be thought of in this context" and that it would be a "fantastic job". |
| Mr Johnson is one of the best-known Tory MPs, making frequent television appearances. | Mr Johnson is one of the best-known Tory MPs, making frequent television appearances. |
| A Conservative Party spokeswoman described reports of his joining the mayoral race as "speculative". | A Conservative Party spokeswoman described reports of his joining the mayoral race as "speculative". |
| Mr Cameron previously tried to persuade former BBC director general Greg Dyke to run as an independent candidate with Tory and Lib Dem backing, but this was ruled out. | Mr Cameron previously tried to persuade former BBC director general Greg Dyke to run as an independent candidate with Tory and Lib Dem backing, but this was ruled out. |
| He also explored the possibility of former CBI chief Digby Jones, now a Labour trade minister, becoming a Conservative mayoral candidate, it emerged last week. | |
| The Conservatives have reportedly been turned down by several other potential high-profile candidates including London Olympics supremo Lord Coe, radio presenter Nick Ferrari and former Metropolitan Police chief Lord Stevens. | The Conservatives have reportedly been turned down by several other potential high-profile candidates including London Olympics supremo Lord Coe, radio presenter Nick Ferrari and former Metropolitan Police chief Lord Stevens. |
| In April the party set out a five-month timetable to find a candidate - shortlisting applicants to go on to an "open primary" - with all Londoners on the electoral roll being allowed to vote. | In April the party set out a five-month timetable to find a candidate - shortlisting applicants to go on to an "open primary" - with all Londoners on the electoral roll being allowed to vote. |
| The deadline for applications is next Monday, with a shortlist drawn up by 3 August. | The deadline for applications is next Monday, with a shortlist drawn up by 3 August. |
| After a series of hustings, the primary will be held, closing on 26 September. | After a series of hustings, the primary will be held, closing on 26 September. |
| The winner will be announced at the Tory conference in September. | The winner will be announced at the Tory conference in September. |
| Mr Johnson is the shadow higher education minister and was previously editor of the Spectator magazine. | Mr Johnson is the shadow higher education minister and was previously editor of the Spectator magazine. |
| Mr Livingstone has been London mayor since 2000. | Mr Livingstone has been London mayor since 2000. |