Steven Norris has been named as the Conservative candidate for mayor of London.

The former transport minister, who was the Tory candidate in the 2000 election, beat his opponent, London assembly member Roger Evans, by 12,161 votes to 3637.

Norris said: "I think last time we all knew it was very special. Ken Livingstone was on a roll, but now, on the contrary, Ken Livingstone is the incumbent...Last time I got 43 per cent of the vote, this time I believe we can do resoundingly better."

The Telegraph carries an interview with Norris, describing him as "the smoothest talker in town".