Frank Dobson was the official Labour candidate

Mr Livingstone said: "I would be delighted to participate in a fair and democratic selection process for Labour's London Mayoral candidate.

"What is not acceptable is another rigged 'selection' designed to prevent the Labour Party membership from choosing the candidate of their choice.

"Before the last mayoral election, voters were told that I would be a 'disaster' as London Mayor.

"Labour Party members should now be able to judge in a democratic selection procedure whether they believe this has occurred or whether they wish me to be their candidate."

Tube row

In 2000 Mr Livingstone said he had to stand against Mr Dobson because Labour's Millbank headquarters had loaded the selection procedure against him.

Polls had demonstrated Mr Livingstone was the clear choice of party members and unionists, although he failed to get the crucial backing of London Labour MPs.

On Thursday he said: "Millbank should let London Labour members make up their own minds on my record by readmitting me to the party and holding a fair and democratic selection procedure."

The party is expected to start the procedure for choosing its next mayoral candidate soon after this spring's London council elections.

Mr Livingstone's conciliatory move may not be welcome in Downing Street, however, given the relentless campaign he has waged against the government's plans for a public-private partnership for the refurbishment of the London Underground.

Five-year rule

This is not the first time Mr Livingstone has called for readmittance to the party.

When he was suspended he described the move as a "trial separation", insisting at the time: "I expect I will be back soon."

The party rule book says membership bans should last for five years, although Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has previously hinted that rules could be changed to allow Mr Livingstone an early return.

Before his suspension, the former Brent East MP had been a member of the Labour party for 31 years.