Boris Johnson has only two weeks to decide whether to throw his hat in the ring as would-be MP for one of London’s plum Tory seats.
Conservatives in Uxbridge and South Ruislip plan to open their selection process in a fortnight, aiming to choose a candidate by September or October.
Locals say there has been no approach yet by the Mayor and no sign of close supporters canvassing for him.
“He has not been in touch with anybody around here as far as I know,” a well-placed local said. “If he decides to seek selection, he will have to go through the same process as anybody else. There has been interest in the seat from a lot of people.”
Mr Johnson is said by some friends to be dithering about whether to stand for Westminster in 2015 or not.
He repeatedly refused to discuss his intentions during a BBC radio interview yesterday, insisting: “Well I’m getting on with my job as Mayor of London.
“What I can tell you is that I will deliver my mandate as Mayor of London and I will continue to promote the ultra-low emission zone and you won’t feel a thing.”
The Uxbridge selection timetable would suit Mr Johnson if he decides to go for it, because the winner may be named in time for the annual Conservative conference. Allies have said he would like the speculation to be over by the conference to avoid it overshadowing his appearances.
A poll in the Evening Standard this week found Londoners are against him being an MP and Mayor at the same time. Over half said that if he wins a seat in Parliament, he should resign immediately from City Hall.
Locals in Uxbridge say opinion is divided about whether such a high-profile national figure would be a good for the area. Some would prefer a candidate dedicated to constituency issues.
Mr Johnson’s name has also been linked to another Tory seat, Hornchurch and Upminster. However, current MP Dame Angela Watkinson has not said she will stand down.
