Voters have given a mixed reaction to speculation that Boris Johnson could become North Kingston’s next MP.

Zac Goldsmith was said to have offered the Mayor of London his Conservative seat if he quit over the row surrounding a third runway at Heathrow.

Mr Johnson’s office dismissed the Mail on Sunday’s story as fanciful, but the news has sparked speculation among Mr Goldsmith’s constituents.

Accountant Mary Williams, 42, of Barnfield Avenue, Kingston, said: “Boris would be great to have as an MP. I think he is wonderful.’’

But retiree Peter Hilson, 68, of Tudor Drive said MPs should be based in the area they represent.

He said: “I cannot stand Boris Johnson. I would much rather see a local as MP.’’

In a statement Mr Goldsmith did not comment directly on whether the converstaion took place, but said there was no deal.

He said: “First, I should make the obvious point that it is for the voters of this constituency to determine who represents them, not for me.

“Second, I would reiterate that the only commitment I have made in this respect is the pledge I gave to constituents before the 2010 election that I would trigger a byelection if my party ever dropped its opposition to a third runway at Heathrow.

“I also said I could not stand under the Conservative banner at the next general election if the party failed to rule out Heathrow expansion again.

“This is not a threat. It is simply the restatement of a promise I made to the constituents whose interests I am proud to represent. Beyond this promise, which I fully intend to honour, there are no hidden arrangements or plans.”

The news came amid rumours of Mr Johnson’s ambitions beyond 2015.

Returning to the House of Commons would allow him to mount a challenge against David Cameron for the Conservative leadership.

The Mayor of London clashed with the Prime Minister over Heathrow last week, calling for him to rule out a third runway beyond the next election.

Mr Goldsmith said: “The Mayor of London has my whole-hearted support in his campaign to persuade the Government to rule out a third runway once and for all.” Mr Johnson insisted he has no intention of trying to oust Mr Cameron.