BORIS Johnson has announced he plans to return to Westminster by standing as an MP at next year's general election.

Inevitably, speculation is growing that he will apply for selection in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, where the long-standing John Randall is standing down.

Conservatives in the constituency plan to open their selection process in the next two weeks, aiming to choose a candidate by September or October.

Uxbridge is generally recognised as a banker seat for the party.

Until Mr Johnson’s announcement today, party officials in Uxbridge were saying there had been no approach yet by the Mayor of London and no sign of close supporters canvassing for him.

After giving a speech on the EU in the City, the Mayor revealed he will "try to find somewhere to stand" as an MP, though continuing to run City Hall before his term ends in 2016.

"We have danced around it for an awfully long time now and the Prime Minister has said he wants me back on his team," Mr Johnson told the Evening Standard.

"I can't endlessly go on dodging these questions. I haven't got a seat lined up, but in all probability I will try to find somewhere to stand. It is highly unlikely I will be successful in that venture but I will try.

"One thing that is absolutely clear is that I will serve out my mandate as London Mayor."