The race to be the Conservative candidate in the next poll for mayor of London has been narrowed down to two candidates.

Former Tory minister Steven Norris will go head-to-head with Roger Evans who is a member of the London Assembly.

Either candidate would do a better job than Ken Livingstone, a mayor who has consistently failed Londoners Eric Pickles

In the last mayoral contest, in 2000, Mr Norris was beaten into second place by Ken Livingstone.

The two Tory hopefuls were chosen from a shortlist of five by London Conservative members after a hustings meeting on Wednesday.

A postal ballot will now be held to decide the actual candidate with the result being announced on 16 February.

Stark choice?

Shadow minister for London, Eric Pickles said: "I am delighted that the Conservatives have two strong candidates in the final stage of our mayoral selection process.

Ms Gavron is Labour's choice

"Either candidate would do a better job than Ken Livingstone, a mayor who has consistently failed Londoners.

"Londoners will have a stark choice next year - between the high taxing, money wasting, inefficient and incompetent Ken Livingstone and a competent, effective, value for money Conservative, who will deliver for the capital."

Labour has already chosen its candidate opting for the currently deputy mayor Nicky Gavron.

Ms Gavron beat her closest rival, Tony Banks MP, by a majority of 7%.

Hughes the Lib Dem?

In the first London mayoral elections Mr Livingstone failed to become the Labour candidate despite winning the support of most London party members.

He won the contest as an independent and the official party candidate, Frank Dobson, took third place after Mr Norris.

The Liberal Democrats have yet to choose their candidate but senior frontbencher Simon Hughes is thought to be one of the frontrunners.