Boris Johnson says he'll 'have a crack' at parliament in 2015
'It may all go wrong,' says Boris Johnson, but 'in all probability' he'll run for MP at the next election
London Mayor Boris Johnson has finally set the record straight about his political aspirations, announcing that he wants to stand for parliament in 2015.In the face of unrelenting speculation that he will succeed David Cameron as Tory leader, Johnson has previously denied that he would stand at the next parliamentary election."It is clear I can't endlessly go on dodging these questions," he conceded today, during a question and answer session in London about Britain's relationship with the EU. "So, let me put it this way, you ask about Uxbridge, I haven't got any particular seat lined up but I do think in all probability, since you can't do these things furtively, I might as well be absolutely clear, in all probability I will try to find somewhere to stand in 2015."Johnson said he would serve out his term as London mayor until May 2016, meaning he would have to do two jobs for a year if he was elected.The Guardian says the decision means he "would be a likely contender for the Tory leadership along with George Osborne and Theresa May if Cameron loses the election and resigns".The newspaper thinks the most likely place for him to stand would be the safe seat of Uxbridge and South Ruislip. The sitting MP, former deputy whip Sir John Randall, is retiring.Johnson did not rule out running for a seat outside London, pointing out that he had been both London mayor and MP for Henley for a short time in 2008. "It may all go wrong but the likelihood is I am going to have to give it a crack," he added.Cameron managed to send a response to the news from his family holiday in Portugal, tweeting: "Great news that Boris plans to stand at next year's general election – I've always said I want my star players on the pitch."
But Labour MP Sadiq Khan, who is expected to stand for London mayor in 2016, said Johnson had made it "absolutely clear today that his priority is succeeding David Cameron as Tory leader rather than serving the interests of Londoners". He added: "London deserves better than this."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Cicada-geddon: the fungus that controls insects like 'zombies'
Under The Radar Expert says bugs will develop 'hypersexualisation' despite their genitals falling off
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
'Voters know Biden and Trump all too well'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Is the Gaza war tearing US university campuses apart?
Today's Big Question Protests at Columbia University, other institutions, pit free speech against student safety
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Is David Cameron overshadowing Rishi Sunak?
Talking Point Current PM faces 'thorny dilemma' as predecessor enjoys return to world stage
By The Week UK Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
Farewell to Theresa May: a PM consumed by Brexit
Talking Point Maidenhead MP standing down at next general election
By The Week UK Published
-
Can Boris Johnson save Rishi Sunak?
Today's Big Question Former PM could 'make the difference' between losing the next election and annihilation
By The Week UK Published
-
Can Cameron put the Falklands sovereignty dispute to bed?
Today's Big Question Foreign secretary says issue 'not up for discussion' ahead of visit amid renewed push from Argentina
By The Week UK Published
-
It's the economy, Sunak: has 'Rishession' halted Tory fightback?
Today's Big Question PM's pledge to deliver economic growth is 'in tatters' as stagnation and falling living standards threaten Tory election wipeout
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Will America recognize a Palestinian state?
Today's Big Question Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu opposes the move. Some see it as the only route to peace.
By Joel Mathis, The Week US Published
-
Fasting to burger buffets: the weird and wonderful diets of politicians
Why Everyone's Talking About Rishi Sunak reportedly starts his week with a 36-hour fast
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published