Speculation is mounting that colourful MP Boris Johnson will join the race to stand as the Conservative candidate in the election for London mayor.
An official announcement is expected from the Tories on Monday, but the Daily Telegraph - for whom the Henley MP writes a column - said he had decided to take on Ken Livingstone.
And a posting on Mr Johnson's own website, although not made by the MP or his office, also predicted he would be a candidate.
The Conservatives have struggled to find a heavyweight challenger to Mr Livingstone. Previous attempts to woo former BBC director general Greg Dyke and ex-prime minister Sir John Major have failed to produce a high-profile Tory challenger.
Speaking last week, Mr Johnson said he was "definitely not a candidate", citing the "logistical difficulties" of his position as MP for Henley, in Oxfordshire. But he added that he was "honoured to be thought of in this context".
If he does now announce his intention to run for mayor, he will have to win over voters on the London electoral register to become one of five shortlisted Tory candidates who will then do battle at a series of hustings.
A spokeswoman for the Conservative Party described reports of Mr Johnson joining the London mayoral race as "speculative".
Nominations close at lunchtime on Monday, and an announcement is expected then.
A spokesman for Mr Johnson confirmed the website posting was not an official one and had now been removed.
He said: "We have taken this off because it is inaccurate. It is not an official statement of any kind at all. The official position is that he hasn't made a decision and when he does, there will be a statement."
