KATE Hoey, the Labour MP and former sports minister, will work for Boris Johnson if he defeats Ken Livingstone to become London's Mayor in Thursday's election.

Graham Dines

KATE Hoey, the Labour MP and former sports minister, will work for Boris Johnson if he defeats Ken Livingstone to become London's Mayor in Thursday's election.

The Conservatives said today that Ms Hoey would be an unpaid non-executive director advising on sport and the 2012 Olympics. If appointed, she will remain as MP for Vauxhall.

Mr Johnson, who is surging ahead in the opinion polls, said he was pleased to be constructing a potential administration from “across politics.” He added: “She and I agree that there is much more that can be done to promote sport and to develop sporting facilities across London.

“I have already pledged to ring-fence London Development Agency money for sport, and if I am lucky enough to win she will be working on an agenda that includes protecting playing fields, boosting sports clubs and making sure that London's kids all benefit from the Olympics.

“Kate has a huge and well-known commitment to sport and to London, and I am determined to bring talent from across politics and the community to a new administration.”

Mr Johnson's move echoes Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who when he became Prime Minister said he was keen to recruit a “government of all the talents,” including politicians from other parties.