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Boris denies MP return reports

London Mayor Boris Johnson has he is "absolutely not" planning a return to the Commons, after reports that Tory MP Zac Goldsmith offered to sacrifice his seat for him to take on Prime Minister David Cameron.

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Boris' spokesman dismisses 'fanciful' report

Boris Johnson's spokesman dismissed a report that claimed Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith offered his safe seat to the London Mayor, calling it "fanciful".

Mr Johnson's spokesman said today:

It's no surprise that the Mayor has met and will continue to meet those who share his concerns over the lack of aviation capacity in London and the SouthEast.

But the story in question is without doubt fanciful.

It's no secret the Mayor opposes the building of a third runway, he was re-elected opposing any such notion, he'll continue to oppose any such notion, and he'll be doing it as Mayor of London.

The Mayor believes the Government's announcement of an Independent Commission has at least re-opened the debate on aviation capacity.

That gives him the opportunity to demonstrate why Heathrow expansion isn't the answer, and the creation of a new 4 runway hub airport is.

The Mayor will be doing both in the weeks and months ahead

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Report: Tory MP offers to sacrifice his seat for Boris Johnson

Reports suggest Mayor of London Boris Johnson could make a comeback to the House of Commons after a Conservative MP offered to sacrifice his seat for him to take on Prime Minister David Cameron.

The Mail on Sunday has reported that Tory Zac Goldsmith has vowed to resign as the MP for Richmond in south west London if the Government revives controversial plans for a third runway at Heathrow airport - which is also fiercely opposed by the London Mayor.

Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith. Credit: Anthony Devlin/PA Archive/Press Association Images

The newspaper said that the idea of Mr Johnson fighting the subsequent by-election to secure a return to the Commons and the chance to challenge for the leadership was made in talks to discuss how best to oppose the airport expansion.

The idea was said to have been dismissed "out of hand" by the Mayor, whose position as a potential challenger to Mr Cameron has been reinforced by the successful London Olympics.

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