What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Russell Brand could be stepping into Boris Johnson's boots after reportedly telling friends that he fancies London's top job.

The comedian, who last year famously said he did not vote, is interested in becoming the Mayor of London according to the Mail on Sunday.

Brand could be in charge of City Hall as soon as 2016 should he mount a successful campaign.

A spokeswoman for Brand said: "We are not commenting."

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

Brand caused a stir this week when he told Newsnight presenter Evan Davis that he was "open minded" about the about the possibility that the US government was behind the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

He added that he found the relationship between the families of former US president George Bush and al Qaida leader Osama bin Laden "interesting", and that he did not trust the US government.

Nominations for the London mayoral election will not close until around five weeks before the vote in May 2016.

Mr Johnson has been selected by the Conservatives to compete for the Uxbridge and South Ruislip seat at next year's general election as he seeks to renter Westminster politics.