Challenge for Mayor's job

Ken Livingstone is to face an official Labour challenger for the job of London's Mayor no later than this autumn.

Possible contenders include two former Cabinet ministers, Peter Mandelson and Chris Smith, Minister for London Nick Raynsford, MP Glenda Jackson and - as an outside chance - Virgin's Sir Richard Branson.

The Labour leadership has decided to move fast, in stark contrast to the indecisive fiasco last time, in an attempt to mount a serious challenge. The selection process will begin in May and will aim to have the challenger in place by the Labour conference in October, 18 months before the mayoral election in 2004.

Mr Mandelson dropped a broad hint that he might be interested at a meeting last year. Reminding his audience that his grandfather, Herbert Morrison, was boss of the old London County Council, he added: "I am not my grandfather's grandson for nothing."

Sir Richard toyed with the idea in 1999, turned it down because of commitments, but said he might be interested next time. Mr Raynsford actually launched a shortlived challenge to Mr Livingstone last time while Ms Jackson also voiced interest. Mr Smith, the then Culture Secretary, was reluctant but might now be persuaded. Trevor Phillips, deputy chairman of the Greater London Assembly, is another possible contender.

The rapid timetable is a tacit confession that Mr Blair got it wrong last time. Then he delayed choosing a Labour candidate, allowing Mr Livingstone to dig himself in.

The runners and riders