Hurst thinks it's all over for Ken

Lee Hurst is planning to run for London mayor next year.

The comic was sparked into political action after learning of plans to build flats on the site of his East End comedy club.

"It just made me want to fight to save my club and made me get involved again," he told BBC News.

"Years ago I used to be active politically but as people get older you get diverted into other things and lose your passion.

"Locally, I've announced it and I have had people shouting out: "I'll vote for you" in the street,"

" I think people are fed up with mainstream politicians so maybe myself, or someone else, will slip in.

East End-born Hurst, 40, cut back on his television appearances, including his role as team captain on They Think It's All Over, in recent years to run the Backyard Comedy Club in Bethnal Green. But now the site is under threat from property developers.

However, Hurst's policies go further than planning, and he also has views on transport - he hates bus lanes - crime and dumped cars, on which he could fight current mayor Ken Livingstone at the 2004 poll.

Published: 3 Oct 2003