Zac Goldsmith MP has won the Conservative nomination for the London mayoralty.
The Richmond Park MP has been the favourite to the win the selection since he entered the race in June and won with 70.6%.
Mr Goldsmith said: “We have seen record investment in our transport network, but we will need to continue that investment just to avoid grinding to a halt – while at the same time continuing to bear down on the cost of travel so that it delivers value for money for Londoners.
“Our living environment is facing increasing pressure and we will need to protect, enhance and improve access to our green spaces, as well as radically improving the quality of the air that we breath.
“But the biggest challenge of all is the housing crisis. Londoners are being priced out of their city and we will need a step change in the number of homes built, and the manner in which they are built.
“I am honoured to have been chosen as the Conservative mayoral candidate and I will work tirelessly to repay that debt.
“I have campaigned hard as an MP, delivering for my constituents and I will fight just as hard to become Mayor so we can build on the progress under Boris in making London work for Londoners.”
Lond Mayor Boris Johnson heaped praise on his potential successor.
He said: “I’m delighted for Zac – he’s principled, hard-working, and dedicated, he’s fizzing with ideas, and he’s passionate about London and its people.
“In May next year this city needs its new mayor to be a fighter, someone who’s not afraid to knock some plaster off the political ceiling in pursuit of the best possible deal for London.
“Zac Goldsmith is that fighter. He’s fearless. He will make a brilliant mayor.
“I have no doubt he’s the best candidate we could possibly have to deliver the vital infrastructure improvements, new housing, jobs and growth London’s rapidly growing population will need in the years ahead.”
He tweeted his delight shortly after the result was announced. He said: “Honoured to be selected as the @Conservatives candidate for Mayor of London.”
Honoured to be selected as the @Conservatives candidate for Mayor of London. Sign up to my campaign http://t.co/eg1zISIrhb #BackZac2016
— Zac Goldsmith (@ZacGoldsmith) October 2, 2015
The other candidates for the Conservative selection that were beaten include Syed Kamall MEP, Andrew Boff and Stephen Greenhalgh.
Mr Goldsmith campaigned on an opposition to Heathrow expansion, social housing and environmental policy.
If he is successful at the London Mayor elections next year Mr Goldsmith will stand down as MP for Richmond Park triggering a by-election.
The main opponent during the race to City Hall will be Labour’s Sadiq Khan MP who won his party’s nomination a few weeks ago.
Mr Khan, the MP for Tooting, beat favourite Dame Tessa Jowell in the final round of voting.
