Livingstone runs as Labour mayor

The London Labour Party disclosed that it had endorsed the Mayor to stand for a third successive term next year. It said it had approved his candidacy after consulting Labour members across the capital.

Mr Livingstone said: "I am grateful for this opportunity to once more build upon the positive agenda for London. I intend to be Mayor for all Londoners."

Labour said that the selection of Mr Livingstone contrasted with the Tories' "crisis" over their hunt for a mayoral candidate.

David Cameron has been rebuffed twice in the last fortnight as first Greg Dyke and then Sir John Major declined the opportunity to stand on a Conservative ticket.

Mr Livingstone, mayor of London since the directly-elected position was created in 2000, predicted a "straight fight" between himself and the Tories.

"There will be three key issues which every candidate must address in the mayoral election," he said.

"London's economy must continue to be successful - economic success is the precondition for everybody's prosperity and for the distribution of wealth throughout the capital.

"Second, all Londoners must be able to participate in our city's success, both to achieve social justice and to guarantee a decent quality of life for everyone.

"Third, this success must be sustainable in the long term - which means, above all, dealing with climate change."