Another Labour MP Is Preparing A Run For London Mayor

    BuzzFeed News has learned the list of potential Labour candidates is getting longer and longer.

    Former international development minister Gareth Thomas is preparing a bid to become mayor of London, BuzzFeed News has learned.

    Multiple Labour sources said Thomas, the Labour MP for Harrow West, is sounding out colleagues about entering the crowded competition to become Labour's candidate for the mayoralty.

    When contacted, Thomas did not deny it, saying: "I'm concentrating on winning my seat again in Harrow West but I hope in the future to certainly contribute to the debate about London's future."

    It is understood that the MP, who serves as deputy shadow minister for London, has had conversations with a number of his Labour colleagues about joining the contest but has not yet made a final decision.

    If he decides to run, he will formally launch his campaign after the general election. Labour insiders said he was likely to base his campaign around housebuilding, having previously argued that the mayor should lead the way in building new homes for Londoners.

    Thomas has recently tweeted about the mayor's job:

    Next Mayor of London should set up a Housing Co to help build more social housing like Sheffield @nicholascecil http://t.co/gya9c1X01G

    "If I were mayor for a day..."

    If I were Mayor for a day I'd up the % of affordable homes that had to be built by housing developers - then get next Mayor to stick to it

    Thomas has a fairly tough battle to retain his seat in Harrow West, with the Conservatives pouring resources into the area. Chancellor George Osborne and Boris Johnson were campaigning in the constituency earlier this month.

    If he throws his hat into the ring, the MP would join an ever-growing list of Labour candidates who have put themselves forward for the party's nomination, which will be decided later this year through a primary system. These include the likes of Tessa Jowell, David Lammy, Diane Abbott, and Christian Wolmar.

    Shadow London minister Sadiq Khan is also expected to announce his candidacy following the general election, while Lord Adonis and Margaret Hodge have recently ruled themselves out of the race.