LABOUR’S prospective candidate for Uxbridge and South Ruislip is promising a ‘hard-fought’ contest in next year’s general election, even if his opponent proves to be Boris Johnson.

Chris Summers spoke out amid mounting speculation that Mr Johnson will take over from Sir John Randall, who is stepping down.

Mr Summers said: “I would relish the opportunity to lock horns with him [Mr Johnson]. But I warn him that it would not be plain sailing and the voters of Uxbridge & South Ruislip will not appreciate being taken for granted.”

Speaking of the Mayor of London’s idea to replace Heathrow with a hub airport in the Thames Estuary, he pointed out the potential ramifications for local jobs.

"Boris has already made it clear he wants to close down Heathrow, one of the area's major employers, so in many ways he would be an astonishing choice,” said Mr Summers.

“In contrast, I have repeatedly said I want Heathrow to be better, rather than bigger, and I certainly don't want it closed, and I was at the recent opening of the new Terminal 2 to support that sentiment.”

The Conservatives are defending a majority of 11,216 in Uxbridge.