An MP said he will push for more powers for the capital if he is selected as Labour's candidate in the London mayoral election.

Harrow West MP Gareth Thomas is the fourth MP to throw his hat into the ring to represent Labour at next year’s mayoral election.

He joins Tottenham MP David Lammy, along with Sadiq Khan MP, Diane Abbott MP, transport commentator Christian Wolmar and former cabinet minister Tessa Jowell in the race for selection.

Speaking to the Harrow Times, he said: “My role as MP in Harrow West will give me a very strong outer London perspective, especially on issues like public transport, the housing crisis, the high cost of living and rents, and the impact that this has on Londoners’ lives.”

Currently the chairman of the Co-operative Party, Mr Thomas believes Londoners should get their "fair share" of the city's success and growth.

The MP added that he wants to see more powers transferred from central government to the capital, in line with the devolution of powers to cities such as Manchester and Leeds.

He added: “I want to push for more devolution for power to London.

“It is right for cities such as Manchester to be given these powers but I also think there needs to be an additional debate about what can be done for London.

“I will be willing to work with the current government to work towards more power, and I agree with Boris Johnson that property tax income should be retained.”

Mr Thomas also added that he felt the city should be seen as 'a separate city state' within the United Kingdom.

The former minister has stepped down from his role as shadow minister for Africa and the Middle East and is looking to concentrate his efforts on his mayoral bid.

He retained his seat in Harrow West at the election on May 7, receiving 21,885 votes – a 4.7 per cent majority over Conservative candidate Hannah David.

Asked whether his bid for Mayor would affect his role as Harrow West MP, he added: “That would be getting ahead of myself.”