Boris Johnson will be standing as a candidate in the next general election, it has been confirmed.
Mr Johnson, who has been on the backbenches since departing Number 10 in September, will fight for his seat in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.
Conservative MPs have until Monday to tell the party if they wish to stand in the next general election, which is expected to take place in 2024.
Mr Johnson resigned in the summer over a series of scandals and mass resignations by ministers, but is still popular among some Tory MPs and the party membership.
The Uxbridge & South Ruislip Conservative Association said they “fully support Boris Johnson as our local MP and candidate at any future election”.
“Since his re-election in 2019 he has delivered on his plans for a redevelopment and modernisation of Hillingdon Hospital as well as increasing police numbers across Uxbridge,” they added.
“We look forward to continuing to work alongside him to deliver for the residents and communities within the constituency, where he has strong connections and involvement.”
If Mr Johnson wins his seat, it would leave the door open for another run at becoming Conservative leader in the future.
When his successor Liz Truss resigned after just six weeks in office, Mr Johnson dramatically declared he was ready to enter Downing Street again, before pulling out of the leadership race at the last minute.
Mr Johnson acknowledged the divisions in his party and conceded “now is not the right time” to return to Number 10.
His failed comeback sparked speculation about his long-term future in the Commons.
Many former prime ministers opt to stand down as MPs swiftly in the wake of leaving high office, such as Tony Blair and David Cameron.
Others choose to remain on the backbenches for a period of time afterwards, like Margaret Thatcher, Sir John Major and Gordon Brown.
Theresa May, who preceded Mr Johnson in Number 10, remains an MP.
Mr Johnson may have a fight on his hands if he wants to retain his comfortable majority.
The Tories are bracing for a growing exodus as opinion polls suggest the party is coming up against an almighty challenge to recover their popularity in the wake of months of political turbulence.
One poll in October suggested a wipe-out of Conservative MPs in London, meaning Mr Johnson would lose his seat. (Sky)
