Steven Norris, runner-up to Ken Livingstone in the 2000 vote for London mayor, has announced he wants to stand again for the Tories in 2004.

Mr Norris, a former transport minister, joined the race to become the party's candidate on Thursday.

Earlier, Croydon South MP Richard Ottaway also declared he was seeking nomination.

The list of declared runners is now five, with a winner due to be announced in February 2003.

Richard Ottoway also declared on Thursday

Mr Norris claimed his experience as transport minister and in business made him the right replacement for Mr Livingstone.

He said Mr Livingstone had been a disaster for London.

"Londoners simply want to elect a mayor who will do something about crime and disorder, congestion and traffic chaos, and will understand that London is not just the West End but is the whole of its 33 boroughs."

'Scrap charge'

Mr Ottaway, 57, was parliamentary private secretary to Michael Heseltine between 1992 and 1995, and a former assistant government whip.

He said he would deliver the Olympic Games to London and scrap the congestion charge.

Nikki Page: Congestion charge opponent

Former catwalk model and ex-Westminster councillor Nikki Page, 51, launched her campaign for the Tory nomination on Tuesday.

She has pledged to abolish congestion charges, fight pollution, make London's streets safer and review night-time taxi fares.

London Assembly members Brian Coleman and Roger Evans are also on the list.

Other hopefuls have until noon on Friday to apply.

In January, the Tories will select two candidates from a shortlist of five.

They will go on to a ballot of all London members, which will end on 18 February.