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George Galloway 'will run to replace Boris Johnson as London Mayor' if he fails to get re-elected as Bradford West MP

The Respect Party politician has previously refused to confirm reports

Adam Withnall
Thursday 23 April 2015 18:55 BST
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George Galloway is defending a 10,140 majority in the constituency
George Galloway is defending a 10,140 majority in the constituency (Getty Images)

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George Galloway will enter the running to become the Mayor of London after Boris Johnson if he fails to get re-elected as an MP.

With just two weeks to go until the general election, the controversial Respect Party politician admitted for the first time that he has a back-up plan in place in case he loses the Bradford West seat.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Galloway said: "I won't run for London Mayor if I am re-elected on 7 May. If I am not re-elected I will run. It's as clear an answer as I can possibly give up."

The interview, thought to have taken place while Mr Galloway was on the campaign trail on Wednesday, is the first time he has confirmed rumours that he is in the running to replace Mr Johnson when he steps down in May 2016.

There have been calls in the Tory Party to 'weaponise' Boris Johnson
There have been calls in the Tory Party to 'weaponise' Boris Johnson (Getty)

At the same time, he has ruled out running for mayor and being an MP at the same time, amid suggestions that it would be impossible to do so and still do a full job representing constituents.

A spokesperson for Mr Galloway was not immediately able to comment further.

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