I could tackle politics hints Sol Campbell

Former England defender Sol Campbell has been tipped to become a Tory MP and has not ruled out making a bid to be the Tory candidate in a plum London seat.

The former defender, who made his name in the capital playing for Spurs and Arsenal, has been courted by the party and recently lunched with party chairman Grant Shapps amid suggestions he could run for London Mayor.

Asked if he would seek to be selected for Kensington following Sir Malcolm’s decision not to stand amid a cash-for-access controversy, Campbell said: “Step by step. I think about a lot of things.”

The sports star, who went on to captain Portsmouth’s 2008 FA Cup winning team, backed David Cameron’s promise of an in/out referendum on UK membership of the European Union so long as voters “know the facts and figures”.

“It’s about going in there and getting the facts and figures  and making sure the British people know what’s happening,” he said.

“I look at the eurozone and I look at Germany – the only reason that Germany loves the euro is because they make so much money because the Mark was so expensive.”

Meanwhile, the Tories could lose another MP to Ukip before the General Election, Nigel Farage has suggested.

Mr Farage said there was still “one conversation” going on with a Conservative about switching sides.

A further defection before May 7 could cause major disruption to David Cameron’s party – and help restore momentum to Ukip after a series of polls suggested their support is slipping.

Unlike Douglas Carswell and Mark Reckless – who both triggered and won by-elections – the turncoat MP would be almost certain to hold on to their seat until the election. Mr Farage said: “There is one conversation we are still having.” But do you know what – it is not very relevant now. Last year it was a big deal.”