Lembit Opik I'll stand in race

By: opendoor Mood: Date: 08/30/2010 05:06:27 Music: None

LEMBIT OPIK has thrown his hat in the ring to become the Liberal Democrat candidate for Mayor of London.

The former MP admitted he had already talked to party chiefs about the prospect. He is the latest Lib-Dem figure to be linked to the job, joining Joanna Lumley and former Met officer Brian Paddick, who stood in 2008. Mr Opik, 45, said: "I'm potentially standing for Mayor of London because one or two fairly senior MPs from London suggested it.

I'm not narcissistic about it. If London wants it and if the Lib- Dems want it, then I'll stand. Boris Johnson has proved that this city is mature enough to recognise the difference between character and policy."

However, several party insiders rejected the idea that Mr Opik, who has reinvented himself as a stand-up comedian, had the credibility needed to stand. Some MPs feel his election defeat -- the Tories overturned a 7,173 majority --was the price for a colourful lifestyle.

His long-term relationship with weather presenter Sian Lloyd ended when he began dating Cheeky Girl pop star Gabriela Irimia and he has also gone out with 22-year-old underwear model Katie Green.

The Lib-Dems will formally begin the selection process this autumn. Officials have discussed asking Lumley, who worked closely with the Lib-Dems on the Gurkha Justice campaign, to stand. Her spokeswoman said she was unlikely to run due to her "busy workload".

London Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon is another possible contender. The winner is likely to face Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone.