Boris Plays Down Idea Of 2015 MP Election Bid

London’s Mayor has played down the idea of standing as an MP in the 2015 elections following reports of an approach by George Osborne to persuade him to run.

Boris Johnson‘s comments are the latest twist in the ongoing speculation that he will seek to challenge David Cameron for the Conservative leadership if the party does not win at the next election.

But Mr Johnson said he did not intend to return to the Commons yet and was committed to seeing out his term as London Mayor, which ends in 2016.

His denial comes after it was reported at the weekend that the Chancellor had tried to persuade him to stand as an MP next year.

The apparent move by Mr Osborne has been interpreted as an attempt to tie Mr Johnson to the election result and the London Mayor reportedly reacted furiously to the overture.

Speaking on his LBC radio programme, Mr Johnson said: “I haven’t had a conversation of any such kind with George.

“George and I have a very, very good working relationship and indeed old, old friendship. What we both want to do is get David Cameron re-elected. That is the project about which we are united.”

He added: “I am so sick of this subject, I think I’m going to expire sometimes. I am going to get on with my job as Mayor of London.

“The answer is I am sticking to my job that I was elected to do in 2012 and indeed in 2008. I’m very, very privileged to be here.”

Mr Cameron has made it clear that he wants Mr Johnson to be involved in the general election campaign and there has been speculation he might be offered the role of Conservative Party chairman.

However Mr Johnson denied that suggestion saying: “Nobody has offered me any such role.

“The most important thing I have to do is run this city and I’m not aware of any plans to make me any such offer. I’ve got to get on with being mayor.”

The mayor has never ruled out eventually becoming Conservative leader.

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Boris Plays Down Idea Of 2015 MP Election Bid