Seven Tories named in mayoral race

Steven Norris took 42% of the ballot in 2000

Seven Tories who have put themselves forward to take on Ken Livingstone in the race to become Mayor of London have been named.

Nominations for the Conservative party candidate close at midnight on Friday.

The front runner is Steven Norris, who came second to Ken Livingstone with 42% of the vote in the 2000 mayoral election.

Other declared candidates are former model and ex-Westminster councillor Nikki Page, Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway and Bromley Council leader Michael Tickner.

Former model Nikki Page has thrown her hat in

Greater London Assembly members Brian Coleman (Barnet and Camden) and Roger Evans (Havering and Redbridge) have also entered the race.

Andrew Boff, who came second in the Hackney mayoral elections on 18 October has also been named as a contender.

About 11 candidates are believed to have put their names forward although all will not be named until Monday.

A shortlist of five candidates will be drawn up on 18 December, with one hustings on 15 January before ballot papers go out five days later.

The winner will be announced on 16 February, the day before congestion charging starts.