Boris Johnson selected as Tory candidate for the Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency

If the London Mayor wins the seat, he will have to finish his term in the capital while juggling the two roles

Boris Johnson may be manoeuvring to succeed David Cameron (Getty)

Boris Johnson's Commons comeback moved a significant step closer as he was selected to fight a safe Tory seat at next year's general election.

The London mayor saw off the challenge of three rivals to secure the support of party members in Uxbridge and South Ruislip as their pick for 2015.

Before the ballot, Mr Johnson and his three rivals made a behind-closed doors pitch to party members in a school hall.

The mayor's bid survived concerns over his determination to see out his full City Hall term, which runs to 2016, at the same time as being a local MP.

Mr Johnson won outright on the first count, without the need for a second round.

The colourful politician's decision to return to Westminster has stoked speculation over his hopes to succeed David Cameron as Conservative leader.

The Prime Minister insists, however, that he would be delighted to have the mayor back in Parliament, saying he wants his “star players on the pitch”.

Mr Johnson previously served as MP for Henley for seven years before leaving to take up the City Hall reins in 2008.

He will defend a majority of 11,216 in the north-west London constituency held by former deputy chief whip Sir John Randall, who is stepping down.

The others in the frame were the deputy leader of the local council David Simmonds, another senior councillor Simon Dudley, the deputy leader of Windsor and Maidenhead who was born in the constituency, and Harrow-born barrister Suella Fernandes.