Labour's official candidate for next year's London mayoral election was last night poised to stand aside to make way for Ken Livingstone's return.

Earlier this week Nicky Gavron met with Tony Blair to thrash out the terms of a deal.

But some Labour MPs, including the chancellor, are opposed to Livingstone's return to the party.

Education secretary Charles Clarke is said to be leading a Cabinet revolt over plans to readmit the mayor.

Meanwhile members of the NEC are said to be angry at the behind the scenes manoeuvring.