Sir Alan mulls over mayoral bid

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Businessman Sir Alan Sugar has said he has not ruled out standing for London mayor in 2012.

According to recent newspaper reports, Labour Party insiders said they want him as their next mayoral candidate.

Speaking to Vanessa Feltz on BBC London Radio, Sir Alan said he was a firm believer in "sticking to what you know".

But he said his wife had told him they could worse, adding: "One can never say never, but it is a long shot."

Speaking on the Vanessa Show he added that the first he knew about it was when he was contacted by a national newspaper which said sources within the Labour Party were putting his name forward.

"It would be a massive challenge," he said.

"One should never underestimate the knowledge that one needs to take on a thing like that and I've always been one of those people to say stick to what you know.

"I've been one of those people who walks into the office and says, 'This is what we are going to do'.

"But I don't think you can do that in politics and government."

Sir Alan, who described himself as a life-long Labour supporter, added: "It is an interesting thought.

"Someone like me who tends to cut to the chase, so to speak, would be the right sort of person to look after the city of London."