THE TORY CONTENDERS FOR MAYOR

Andrew Boff, 41

A European systems manager for a computer company and former leader of Hillingdon Borough Council. Despite being openly gay, he got through to the last four on the previous shortlist. Mr Boff, a supporter of Torche, the Tory campaign for homosexual equality, impressed the selection panel with his hustings speech. He supported Steven Norris last time, when he fell at the penultimate fence. When asked about the Dome, Mr Boff once said he would "turn it upside down and fill it with tea".

Baroness Hanham, 60

The leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, she led the campaign to stop the Diana, Princess of Wales memorial proposed by the committee under Gordon Brown being sited at Kensington Palace. Is longest-serving council leader in London, regarded by some colleagues as being out of touch. Known for intellectual rigour; not seen as media friendly. Her most radical gesture came in the 1980s, when she accidentally leant on a switch and plunged a Margaret Thatcher speech into darkness. Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea in 1983.

Baroness Miller, 66

The bookies' favourite to get the nomination among the Tory hopefuls, but is still quoted at long odds of 20-1. She has a reputation for being tough, no-nonsense Thatcherite and "squeaky clean" in spite of being involved in pyramid selling in the 1970s. A grandmother of three, Doreen Miller is a Londoner by birth, president of the London Conservatives and has a powerful network of support among the older Tory London members, which should see her through. She lists football among her recreations.

Mark Kotecha, 35

Internet millionaire, was once homeless on London streets when he was 16 before getting a stall at Camden market and going to university. Sold his Internet company for pounds 7m-10m this year and is chairman of an online games retailer. Endorsed Mr Norris after making it to the last five last time round. His opposition to an Archer ticket and his business acumen could put him in good stead to win wider support to run London's affairs, but, even more than the others, he suffers from having a ground-level profile in national politics.