RUMOURS are flying that London Mayor Boris Johnson could be lined up to replace Reigate MP Crispin Blunt.
On Tuesday Mr Blunt was told by the Reigate and Banstead Conservative Association that he has not been automatically reselected as Conservative candidate for the 2015 election.
But he could still win the candidacy in a vote by all members of the local Conservative party.
However within hours of the announcement people were throwing Mr Johnson's name into the hat - despite the Mayor previously distancing himself from the position.
Mr Blunt told the Daily Telegraph rumours of Mr Johnson replacing him were "complete garbage" and "a fun theory".
The paper also quotes a source close to Mr Johnson dismissing the suggestion he could take Mr Blunt's seat.
Mr Johnson's popularity has soared in recent years while he has been Mayor and some believe he will be handed a safe Tory seat at the next election so he can return to Parliament after his Mayoral term ends in 2016.
Speaking to the Mirror last month, Mr Blunt had been confident of re-selection by the executive council.
He said: "I have been re-endorsed three times so I hope my record over the last five years since the last re-endorsement will ensure their support."
However, he has now admitted to being "surprised and disappointed" by the decision.
The Mirror previously covered suggestions Mr Johnson could replace Mr Blunt, made in January 2012.
At the time Mr Blunt rejected the suggestions, which a senior Tory source branded "a bit of mischief".
