DAVID LAMMY became the first Labour MP yesterday to throw his hat in the ring to be London mayor — and took shots at Tory incumbent Boris Johnson and his left-wing predecessor Ken Livingstone.

In an interview with the London Evening Standard, Mr Lammy said “both previous mayors” were “mayor for part of London and not for all.

“I am in the centre of British politics,” he said.

Launching a paper on the capital’s housing crisis, Mr Lammy announced he would support a cap on private-sector rents and higher council tax for large houses.

The Tottenham MP, who served in the new Labour governments of Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, is the second declared candidate after transport journalist Christian Wolmar.

Mr Wolmar told the Morning Star Mr Lammy’s entry into the context was “very welcome.”

He said: “At last we can begin the debate over the future of London.”

“David has come up with some good ideas, and he’s announced his support for some proposals that I’ve been promoting too — such as boosting protection for private tenants.

“He’s also been brave enough to agree we need higher council tax bands.

“This will flesh out who is serious about this election and who isn’t. There’s been all these hints and subtle off-the-record briefings. Hopefully this will open the process up.”

Shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan, Hackney MP Diane Abbott and Blairite former ministers Dame Tessa Jowell and Lord Adonis are also expected to stand — but the contest will not take place until after next year’s general election.

Labour will select its candidate via a “closed primary” of supporters.

If he wins, Mr Lammy would be London’s first black mayor.

conradlandin@peoples-press.com