Rumours Margaret Hodge may stand as the Labour candidate for Mayor of London continue to circulate after the Barking MP described it as “a fantastic job”.
Hodge’s name has been mentioned in connection with the prestigious post in recent months, though any bid is yet to be officiated.
Incumbent mayor Boris Johnson is himself the subject of speculation over whether he will return to Parliament. Having twice been voted in by Londoners, the recognisable Conservative’s exit could be a spur for Hodge to plump for mayor in 2016.
The long-serving MP has made a name for herself in recent years by holding big businesses to task as chair of the Public Accounts Committee.
However, a recent YouGov survey showed Diane Abbott was Labour supporters’ preferred mayoral candidate.
A statement to the Post from her office read: “The Mayor of London is a fantastic job and Margaret has been asked by a lot of people to run.
“But at the moment she is very busy serving her constituents in Barking and being chair of the Public Accounts Committee.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here