Boris Johnson to stand

The BBC reports this morning:

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, told London's Evening Standard he wants to take on Labour's Ken Livingstone.

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."

Mr Johnson is likely to face a number of rivals to be Conservative candidate.