Ex-England defender believes he can secure ‘the black vote’Campbell: ‘I am for getting people from my background to vote’

The former England defender Sol Campbell is considering joining the Conservative Party and believes he can have a major influence in securing “the black vote”.

Campbell, who retired in 2011 having won 73 caps for his country, said last week that he was thinking about joining the Conservative Party to fight Labour’s proposed introduction of mansion tax should they win the General Election next year.

However, speaking at the launch of his new biography at Cheltenham Literature Festival on Thursday, the former Tottenham and Arsenal defender admitted he is considering taking a more active role.

“[Let’s have] a conversation just to see where they want to go with things,” he said. “I think something has got to be offered for me to really think about it.

“I have got so much to offer. I think it is very important for the black vote. If the ‘black vote’ votes it will clearly push someone over the line. I am for getting people from my background to vote.”

He added: “If I am a consultant for the government then you can do your stuff but not be left with nowhere to manoeuvre.

“Politics is very hard work. You have to really commit to things. Some people get into it for the wrong reasons.”

Campbell claimed in March that he would have been England captain “for more than 10 years” if he was white. Now he is hopeful that the Football Association chairman Greg Dyke will use his Commission to help tackle the issue of racism in the game.

“Greg Dyke has come out and said there is a problem, officially,” Campbell said. “Some people just couldn’t handle the things I was saying. Now Greg Dyke has come out and said there is a problem and there are other problems associated with the FA that come from race. Thank God someone’s actually said something.

“A lot of people didn’t believe me, but now they are starting to believe,” the former England defender added. “Talk is cheap, but hopefully things can start to move on and include inclusion.”

Now 40, Campbell officially retired in May 2012 a year after being released by Newcastle. Yet despite his absence from the game, he believes England should give him an opportunity.

“The career I have had should warrant me getting a job,” he said. “I’ve done all the badges. I’m doing my coaching badges with the Welsh FA. I am on the last year of the pro licence.

“Whether I’m going to use it straightaway I’m not too sure. Whether I can use it here I don’t know.”