The battle to become Hertsmere MP looks set to heat up as speculation mounts whether Boris Johnson will put himself forward as Conservative candidate.

Last month, Hertsmere’s Conservative MP, James Clappison, announced he will not be standing for re-election at next year’s General Election after 23 years in office.

The seat has been under Conservative control since 1983.

As the Mayor of London announced this week he will be putting his name forward as MP in next year’s election, there is increasing interest where he will be standing.

The constituency of Hertsmere is considered to be one of the front-runners behind Uxbridge and Ruislip South, with Ladbrokes offering 7/2 odds on him standing in the borough, according to PoliticsHome.com.

Hertsmere Conservative Association said they would be "delighted" if Mayor Johnson put himself forward.

Ruth Lyon, chairman of the association, said: "Put it this way, there is a process and we are going through that process and we are being guided by central office.

"All I can say, is the association has not heard anything from Boris. If he wished to put himself forward to stand in Hertsmere, I would be delighted.

"I think he would be very popular as an MP and wherever he stands, I wish him all the best."

However, Mr Johnson could have a challenge on his hands as leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Morris Bright, said he would also consider putting himself forward for the role.

Conservative representative for Elstree, Councillor Bright, said: "I have lived in Hertsmere for 25 years. I have been on the council for 15 years and leader of the council for seven.

"I love Hertsmere and I have been delighted to work so closely with so many people to make our area one to be proud of.

"If it is felt, further down the line that I should put my name down (to stand) then I would deeply consider it because I love Hertsmere and I love my party."

Despite being a potential opponent for the vacant seat, Councillor Bright has still welcomed Mayor Johnson’s return to Parliament.

Councillor Bright said: "Boris has said he wants to come back to Parliament. It is something the Conservative Party and all the party activists wanted.

"It is no secret he will probably look for somewhere in London or the outskirts.

"No approach has been made to Hertsmere but Boris is certainly someone that the party would welcome back to Parliament."