The Mayor of London has launched a pre-emptive bid to gain funding for the capital ahead of the spending review later this month.

Mayor Boris Johnson today launched his strategy for economic growth, with a call for 400,000 new homes in the city in the next decade.

Highlighting the capital's position as an economic powerhouse in a speech to business leaders and employers, the Mayor said London contributes a greater share to the UK's economic output than in any other point in history.

He highlighted the importance of housing, jobs, education and skills, as well as transport infrastructure.

Chair of London Councils, Mayor Jules Pipe, Councils, said: ‘This is both a very exciting and challenging period in London's history. I welcome this timely piece of work from the Mayor, particularly his highlighting the value of partnership to address shared issues around housing, transport and regeneration.'

Launching the document, Mayor Johnson said: ‘Post-Olympic London has an amazing story to tell of a city that is leading the UK out of recession as the best place to work, live, play, study, invest and do business, and my goal is to lengthen London's lead as the greatest city on earth.

‘To succeed we must recognise the test of our mettle that lies ahead, not least a million more people in the next decade and a vast shortage of homes in an uncompromising global economy.

This shows us why the government must invest in London's future for the good of the whole of the UK and exactly why we must continue to attract international investment.'