Boris Johnson has been criticised by the opposition over his application to become Mayor of London.

The 43-year-old Tory MP joked on the seven page form, sparking claims in political circles that he is not taking the job seriously enough.

In the papers, handed in to Conservative Central Office, he said that one of the biggest challenges he faced was "negotiating Hyde Park Corner by bicycle" and "trying to help raise four children in inner London".

Labour London Assembly Member Len Duvall, chair of the Met Police Authority, told an evening newspaper: "He comes across as someone who is not taking the job seriously.

"I think the message it sends out is the question: does he really want the job."

Mr Johnson is one of the best-known Tory MPs and regularly appears on television programmes, including BBC quiz show Have I Got News For You.

The Conservatives are said to have been turned down by several potential high-profile candidates including Lord Coe and former Met Police chief Lord Stevens.

The Labour Party confirmed Mr Livingstone, who introduced London's congestion charge, is again its candidate for the May 2008 elections.

The Conservative candidate will be announced at the Tory conference in September.

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