That is why I am asking every member of the Conservative party for their support in the forthcoming selection process and in particular at the hustings on 15th January and, if I am selected to go forward, in the postal ballot that follows.

This is not an election between modernisers and traditionalists, between left and right or whatever other ridiculous labels the press might want to attach. This is about selecting the candidate who can win.

I suggest that I have the practical experience as a former MP, a Minister of Transport for nearly five years with special responsibility for London, and a long history of campaigning throughout the city in local and national elections alike to take on Livingstone. I have the profile and reputation with Londoners that ensured that in the last mayoral election in 2000 I was able to poll 42% of the total on the second ballot. This ability to reach out beyond our party to the voters we simply have to win over to succeed is what I believe sets me apart from my fellow members competing for the nomination - excellent though they all are. It is why after the last campaign William invited me to be a Vice-Chairman of the Party.

If you want to win the London battle as much as I do please support my nomination campaign. London deserves better than Livingstone. It deserves a mayor who will make a real difference. A mayor who will work for a safer, less polluted and more prosperous city for everyone who lives or works in the capital and for the millions who visit. A Conservative mayor. Please do all you can to help.