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Boris London mayor decision due Boris Johnson 'stands for mayor'
(30 minutes later)
Boris Johnson has said there is "not long to wait" before he says whether he will stand to be the Conservative's candidate for London mayor. Boris Johnson is to enter the race to be the Conservative candidate for London mayor in next year's election.
Mr Johnson, one of the best known MPs, has until noon to say whether he wants the chance to take on Labour's Ken Livingstone in next year's contest. Mr Johnson, one of the best known MPs, told London's Evening Standard he wants to take on Labour's Ken Livingstone.
Mr Johnson said he would only stand if he got the support of people in his non-London constituency of Henley. He told the paper: "The opportunity is too great and the prize too wonderful to miss... the chance to represent London and speak for Londoners."
The Tories have been seeking a high profile candidate for the past year. Mr Johnson is likely to face a number of rivals to be Conservative candidate. A list of hopefuls is due at noon.
It brings to an end a long search by the Conservatives for a big name candidate with a realistic chance of beating Ken Livingstone.
Previous possible runners have included Greg Dyke, Digby Jones, Nick Ferrari, Lord Stevens and Sir John Major.Previous possible runners have included Greg Dyke, Digby Jones, Nick Ferrari, Lord Stevens and Sir John Major.
Mr Livingstone - who was elected London's first mayor as an independent and then won a second term after being allowed back into the Labour Party - has said he wants a third term.Mr Livingstone - who was elected London's first mayor as an independent and then won a second term after being allowed back into the Labour Party - has said he wants a third term.
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Like Mr Johnson the current mayor is a politician with a high media and public profile.Like Mr Johnson the current mayor is a politician with a high media and public profile.
If Mr Johnson does announce his intention to run for mayor, he will first have to win over voters in London to become the Conservative candidate. Mr Johnson will first have to win over voters in London to become the Conservative candidate.
An announcement that Mr Johnson intended to run was posted on his weblog on Friday morning, but was removed a few minutes later as it was not "official". Mr Johnson told people inquiring if he would stand "to wait and see".
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.
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The deadline for applications is Monday, with a shortlist drawn up by 3 August.The deadline for applications is 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.
He has been a frequent guest on television shows such as Have I got News for You, and has come under fire in Liverpool and Portsmouth for critical comments he made about the cities.He has been a frequent guest on television shows such as Have I got News for You, and has come under fire in Liverpool and Portsmouth for critical comments he made about the cities.