Boris takes next political step with the launch of his campaign to become an MP

Boris Johnson took the next step in his political career today with the official launch of his campaign to become an MP.

The mayor took time out from City Hall to join Conservative party workers handing out leaflets in Uxbridge and South Ruislip.

Johnson arrived in Cowley at the start of his Parliamentary comeback bid, one hour late, declaring: 'I need a haircut.'

He was joined by by retiring MP John Randall who won the safe seat in a by-election in 1997.

An exclusive opinion poll for ITV News gave Labour a 14 point lead over the Conservatives in London.

The 6% swing to Labour suggested by today's ComRes poll is unlikely to trouble the mayor who is defending a majority of 11,216.