London’s eccentric mayor Boris Johnson to run for re-election in 2012

London mayor to run for re-election

LONDON — London’s mayor Boris Johnson says he’ll run for re-election and seek to lead the British capital during the 2012 Olympic Games.

Johnson said Friday that he would stand as the Conservative Party candidate in a London election scheduled for May 2012, two months before the games.

The 46-year-old mayor, known for his love of cycling and unruly mop of blond hair, said he would focus his campaign on tackling crime.

Johnson has recently clashed with members of the Conservative-led government over plans to cut Britain’s public spending. The ex-magazine editor says London’s public transit network should escape budget trimming.

Ex-mayor Ken Livingstone and former lawmaker Oona King are competing to be selected as the main opposition Labour party’s candidate.