Liberal Democrat frontbencher Simon Hughes has said he will stand in the next contest for London mayor.

The MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey is one of three applicants hoping to represent the party in the 2004 elections.

Also standing is businesswoman Susan Kramer, who fought the 2000 mayoral election for the Lib Dems, finishing fourth. She is a member of the board of Transport for London.

The other candidate is Donnachadh McCarthy, deputy chair of the party's federal executive and a parliamentary candidate in 2001, who has said he wants to be London's first openly gay mayor.

The candidate will be selected by a one-member one-vote ballot of party members in the London region, with the successful applicant due to be named in March.

Susan Kramer stood for the Lib Dems in 2000

Speaking to BBC London, Mr Hughes explained why he did not stand in the last mayoral election.

"I didn't think the Liberal Democrats would win last time, to be honest," the party's home affairs spokesman said.

"Ken Livingstone was favourite to win because there was unfinished business.

"I think things are very different now and Londoners are ready for a change.

"I think the Liberal democrats are in a very good position."

Asked about congestion charging he said that he would not scrap it just "change it".