“As for me, I remain an unapologetic conservative, a passionate supporter of Brexit and a big fan of our party grassroots!”

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell has not been successful in his bid to become Mayor of London.

The famously patriotic and dog-loving politician, who has been representing the constituency for 16 years, threw his hat into the ring to be one of the Conservatives’ London mayoral candidates at the start of the month.

At the weekend the party whittled down the candidates to three, and Andrew sadly wasn’t one of those selected.

The trio of final candidates comprises of London Assembly members Shaun Bailey and Andrew Boff, and Ealing councillor Joy Morrissey.

The person chosen to run for City Hall for the Tories will be announced in September.

Taking to Twitter he said: “Thanks to supporters who have contacted me about my candidacy for Mayor of London.

“It means a lot. While I am very disappointed with the news that I am now not going forward in a vote to our party membership, I would like to offer my best wishes to Joy, Andrew and Shaun.

“The complex issues facing London can only be fixed with a strong Conservative Mayor and I look forward to assisting our candidate once our membership have made their selection.

“As for me, I remain an unapologetic conservative, a passionate supporter of Brexit and a big fan of our party grassroots!”

Commenting, Brandon Lewis MP, Chairman of the Conservative Party, said:

“Congratulations to Shaun Bailey, Andrew Boff and Joy Morrissey who’ve been shortlisted as Conservative candidates for Mayor of London.

“These are three strong candidates with positive visions for London who can take on Sadiq Khan for his failings in crime, housing and transport.

“I wish them all the best of luck as they proceed to the next stage.”