MP future for Boris Johnson's father?

Boris Johnson: MP, journalist and quiz show host

It could be a case of like son, like father for celebrity Conservative MP Boris Johnson as his dad wants to follow him into Parliament.

Stanley Johnson, 63, is trying to emulate his journalist son and become a Tory MP himself.

Mr Johnson senior has just got onto the Conservative approved candidates list for the next general election.

His MP son told the Daily Telegraph: "Any seat would be mad not to take him. He's a terrific chap."

Tory fortunes

Asked if his father could be taken on to replace Michael Portillo as MP for Kensington and Chelsea, the Spectator editor was quoted as hesitating before saying: "Let me put it this way.

"If he could be prevailed upon by his many supporters and friends, then I think it would be no bad thing."

Mr Johnson senior served as a Tory MEP from 1979 to 1984.

If the Conservative Party is going to be inclusive, it shouldn't reject elderly white males like me Stanley Johnson Would-be MP

Explaining his latest political ambition, he said: "Michael Howard's leadership has given the party a new lease of life.

"I jolly well think that all good men should come to the aid of the party."

And he did not think his age should be any obstacle.

"I feel pretty fit and play lots of sport," he said. "If the Conservative Party is going to be inclusive, it shouldn't reject elderly white males like me."

But the would-be MP said he did not want to comment on where he might try to become the Tory prospective candidate.

Quiz show fame

A Conservative Party spokeswoman confirmed Mr Johnson was on the candidates list.

"We are absolutely delighted," he said. "He is the most lovely person and we are thrilled."

Boris Johnson entered Parliament as MP for Henley at the 2001 election, filling the shoes of former Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine.

He has continued as editor of the Spectator magazine and a Daily Telegraph columnist.

And his appearances as a guest presenter on BBC2's satirical quiz show Have I Got News For You have also brought him widespread fame.