Hughes confirms he wants to run for London Mayor

Simon Hughes, the Liberal Democrats' home affairs spokesman, ended speculation about his future yesterday by announcing that he would be seeking the party's nomination for London Mayor.

Mr Hughes had been expected to stand for deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats but he has been buoyed by polls showing he is only 9 per cent behind Ken Livingstone, the current Mayor.

Mr Hughes, MP for Southwark, said yesterday that he wanted "to go full speed ahead to secure his party's nomination". He said: "Ken knows the score. If I get my party's support, he really has got a serious contest on his hands. I believe I can reach out to supporters of all political parties but especially to those who are usually turned off by the whole political process."

Mr Hughes will run against Susan Kramer – who fought a high-profile campaign against Mr Livingstone last time – to gain the backing of London's Liberal Democrats.

Ms Kramer, who is expected to inherit Jenny Tonge's Richmond Park seat at the next election, has been campaigning for the support of the capital's residents.

Yesterday, she welcomed Mr Hughes into the race and said she would be counting on his support if she beat him and became the party's official candidate. "I am delighted that Simon has finally made a decision which will liven up the selection," Ms Kramer said. "I intend to win and the campaign is looking very good."

Mr Hughes was elected in a historic by-election in Southwark 20 years ago. He unsuccessfully challenged Charles Kennedy to be party leader.