Branson plots new lottery bid

FOUR years after vowing never to contest another National Lottery bid, Sir Richard Branson is ready to re-enter the fray against operator Camelot. He is considering creating a not-for-profit vehicle similar to the people's lottery operation he used in his 2000 bid.

The next licence starts in 2009, but the tender process is seen as so complicated that it will start next year.

The National Lottery Commission, which regulates the lottery, is determined to make the process simpler and cheaper this time to encourage more bidders.

A spokesman for Branson said: 'Sir Richard is looking at bidding for the National Lottery franchise. He is considering a number of ideas. It would not be associated with any Virgin company and, like the people's lottery, all the profits would go to charity. He is very interested in the whole idea again, but the final decision on whether to go for it has not been made yet.'

When Branson lost last time, it was his second attempt to win the licence. Camelot beat him to it when the first licence was granted in 1994.