The Tories have extended the deadline for selecting their London mayor candidate, despite several local government figures coming forward. The deadline for nominations in the ‘US primary-style’ election was due to pass on Friday, but Conservative Party chairman, Francis Maude, instead announced candidates would now have until the spring to enter the race. The announcement will be seen as a blow to those who have already put their names forward, including two members of Kensington & Chelsea RLBC, Cllrs Victoria Borwick and Warwick Lightfoot. ‘It gives more people time to come forward,’ said Cllr Lightfoot. ‘We want to get as many people coming forward as possible.’ And Cllr Borwick added: ‘I look forward to the selection process and ultimately to locking horns with Ken Livingstone.’ Other confirmed candidates include London Assembly member, Richard Barnes, and the director of the Policy Exchange think-tank, Nick Boles. l Disgraced former leader of Westminster City Council, Dame Shirley Porter has returned to London. Dame Shirley, who was found guilty of selling off council homes on the cheap to keep the Tories in power, has come back to the capital after 12 years of exile in Israel.
