“Everyone has applied and there is a long-list. At the party conference there will be a shortlist and people will be named.”
He said he would be campaigning for improved public transport and infrastructure.
“Why has London not yet got driverless tube trains? Our roads are gridlocked. It’s about making London great for the 21st century,” Mr Odze explained.
But is the capital ready for a strictly Orthodox Jewish leader? According to Mr Odze, Londoners will vote for the person most capable to do the job, regardless of their background.
“I think London is ready for the most competent and talented person who puts themselves forward,” he said.
“You can make a case for or against anybody. It’s about their policies and abilities to lead a great city.”
The Lubavitcher was elected to Hackney Council more than a decade ago at the age of 21. In 2004 he was suspended from the council after raising concerns about postal voting abuses and later moved to Manchester.
After several election defeats he became disillusioned with the Tories and drifted away from politics before returning as a Ukip candidate.
