Raynsford to be Dobson's manager

FRANK DOBSON'S chances of becoming the mayor of London received a boost yesterday when Nick Raynsford, the Housing minister, pulled out of the race and instead became Mr Dobson's campaign manager.

FRANK DOBSON'S chances of becoming the mayor of London received a boost yesterday when Nick Raynsford, the Housing minister, pulled out of the race and instead became Mr Dobson's campaign manager.

Mr Raynsford's decision means the former secretary of state for health is the favourite to take on Ken Livingstone for the party's nomination. But Mr Dobson's candidacy will not lead to the withdrawal of Glenda Jackson, her office said.

Labour's ruling National Executive Committee will today finally announce its selection procedure for the party's mayoral candidate, with a fast-track system designed to get a name in place by the end of next month. A panel of 12 party figures, made up of NEC members, London Labour Party members and independents, will vet all applications before drawing up a shortlist of a maximum of four names.

Sources said last night that if Mr Livingstone failed a "loyalty test" to discover his views on a range of government policies, he would be barred. However, if he persuaded the panel of his commitment to the party line, he may be allowed to stand.

Mr Raynsford yesterday said: "Following Frank's decision to join the race I am ... withdrawing my candidacy and urging all my supporters to give Frank their wholehearted backing."

The bookmaker William Hill has Mr Dobson as 4/5 favourite to become mayor. Jeffrey Archer is 2/1, Ken Livingstone 3/1, Tony Banks 14/1, Glenda Jackson 25/1, and Trevor Phillips, 33/1.