Former Transport Minister Steve Norris has been named as the Conservative candidate for the mayor of London.

It was announced on Sunday afternoon after results of a postal ballot of the party's members in the capital were published.

The shortlist was cut down to just two candidates - Mr Norris and Greater London Authority member Roger Evans - with the former transport minister as the favourite.

Ken Livingstone: Steve Norris aims to unseat the London mayor

Ahead of the announcement, Mr Norris told BBC News he was not complacent.

"I never take anything for granted."

The winner will try to oust Ken Livingstone in next year's mayoral election.

And Mr Norris, who took second place behind Mr Livingstone in the 2000 mayoral election, told BBC news the congestion charge that hits London on Monday has already cost the mayor an "awful lot" of popularity and credibility.

The charge would take traffic out of rich areas but put a lot more pollution and congestion into some of the most deprived communities in London, he said.

London's congestion charge begins on Monday

But this was not the worst aspect of Mr Livingstone's term of office, Mr Norris added.

"An awful lot of people in London who were quite enthusiastic about the idea of an independent like Ken Livingstone are saying, 'Ken, what have you actually achieved?'

"And the answer is not a lot."

Mr Norris said Londoners wanted a mayor who could make the city safer and "easier to get around", with more job opportunities but without "all the political posturing we have seen during the past couple of years".

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

Ms Gavron is Labour's choice

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

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.