Tory member of European parliament Syed Kamall has thrown his hat into the ring for the job of London mayor.
The Muslim MEP for London, who has been in the role for the past 10 years most recently as the leader of the Conservatives in the European parliament, said: "I am really excited about the prospect of doing this. I'm a Londoner born and bred. I grew up here and I've always enjoyed fighting for our city."
"I look forward to having some robust conversations and debates over the coming months about the issues which affect our city. We need to tackle some of the most important things like housing and transport but we also need to ensure that everyone in our city enjoys the full fruits of London's success".
Kamall is the son of Guyanese immigrants who came to London in the 1950's. He was educated in Edmonton and went on to study at the London School of Economics.
"My father worked as a bus driver. This city gave my parents and me so many opportunities but London also presents us with challenges. Like many people, I've had to make some tough choices about where I can afford to live and bring up my own family. We need to deal with issues like this."
The former academic and businessman will be taking on popular Zac Goldsmith in the City Hall race to represent the Conservative party alongside deputy mayor Stephen Greenhalgh, London Assembly member Andrew Boff and businessman Ivan Massow.
