Despite the fact that Guido rarely meets anyone who doesn’t want Boris to run, the issue is troubling Guido, with less than a week to go before nominations close things are still unclear. The Backing Boris Facebook group has gained over 500 members in a few days, a small but telling indicator of his popularity.

Boris has intimated that the opinion of his constituency supporters is crucial. So Guido emailed them to encourage them to look favourably on Boris running for Mayor. You can too by emailing soca@oxfordshireconservatives.com.

The prospect of Steve Norris losing to Ken again fills Guido with dread. Why would the Tories repeat the pattern? C’mon Boris…

Guido has learned that Boris has been discussing the possibility of running for Mayor since at least January. Boris is concerned that he first has to have the support of his constituency if he is to devote six months to campaigning for the job.

There are only ten days left to draft him, nominations close Monday July 16th. Currently over 80% of those polled by Guido want Boris to run…
UPDATE : Hammersmith Tory councillor Harry Phibbs, writing for the Conservative leaning think-tank the Social Affairs Unit, backed Boris for Mayor in January.

Matthew d’Ancona has declared Boris to be the official candidate of The Spectator for the position of London Mayor.

The I’m Backing Boris Facebook group is now open for business…

UPDATE : Tory Radio is backing Boris.

UPDATE : Somebody has bought up today : boris4london.com, boris4london.org, boris4london.co.uk, boris4london.org.uk, boris4london.net, boris4mayor.org, boris4mayor.com, boris4mayor.org, boris4mayor.co.uk, boris4mayor.org.uk, boris4mayor.net.

Such is the antipathy to Shagger Norris, that the speculation around Westminster is that Shagger Boris is now Dave’s preferred candidate for Mayor of London. Please let it be true…

UPDATE : Nick Robinson (who broke the story), re-confirms that Boris is considering running. Boris has put out a statement “Being Mayor of London would be a fantastic job and anyone who loves London would want to consider the possibility very carefully. I want to stress that this idea did not come from David Cameron or from anyone in his office but I have, of course, been very struck by the number of people who have been urging me to run. In my case, there are huge obstacles – above all my commitment and responsibility to my constituency. It is hard to see how those difficulties could be overcome – but I am ruling nothing out.”

Nick Boles is quitting the race due to serious illness. He is getting treatment for cancer. Best of luck Bolesy.

Bit hungover* after having dinner with Peter Stringfellow at his new club The Wardour. He gave a rousing speech to an enthusiastic crowd from the Young Britons’ Foundation who were there to celebrate May Day in a plutocratic capitalist style. Alas, Stringy declined to throw his hat into the ring for Mayor of London because he told Guido, at 66 he needs all his energy for his 24-year-old fiancée.

Guido’s campaign for a knighthood for Peter in recognition of his contribution to the cultural life of our nation continues. Sign the petition to the Queen and show your appreciation. Do it, and right this wrong.

*Have an interesting video to upload from the night…

Guido understands that some 40 wannabees have put their name forward to CCHQ in their quest to become Mayor of London. Still time for you to put your name forward…

Iain Dale says he has checked and Greg Dyke was a serious proposition as the joint Liberal/Conservative Mayoral candidate.

Neither the Tory or LibDem high commands have so far managed to find the candidate to take on Ken. Combined perhaps they can do it. Dyke has technocratic ability, a combatitive personality and a track record. He is only a recent convert from Labour to LibDem, so sticking a blue and yellow rosette on him would be a shock. Not least for the activist base who might not be too keen…

UPDATE : The story is true, Greg Dyke confirms an approach was made, which he turned down.