A HARROW councillor has joined the race to become London's next mayor.

Councillor Lurline Champagnie, who represents Pinner for the Conservatives, was elected the borough's first black female councillor in 1986 and was the borough's first black mayor in 2003-04.

The 68-year-old former nurse, of Westfield Park, Hatch End, said: "No one else is worthy of running for mayor other that myself.

"I have been in the council for more than 20 years."

Labelling herself "London's black pioneer", Jamaican-born Councillor Champagnie joins five other Tory candidates bidding to be chosen by their party to challenge Ken Livingstone for the mayor's job in 2008.

She said: "I think I have what it takes to be Mayor of London.

"I could offer London security in many ways."

Speaking at the Conservative Party conference in 1985, she declared: "I am Conservative, black, British and proud of all three."

That evening she was invited to tea with then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, and her political career had begun.

Councillor Champagnie said that her priorities for London included improving the transport system and reviewing the congestion charge, and encouraging people to become more involved in the city.

In a statement declaring how she would tackle the challenges facing London she said: "The mayor's job is to encourage people to participate in London, not to stand on as disinterested bystanders.

"That means encouraging every neighbourhood and community to show off the best they have to offer at every opportunity."

sanand@london.newsquest.co.uk