Former Oxford City Council leader John Tanner - who once described local politics as "boring" - has announced he is planning a comeback.

Mr Tanner, who represented South Ward for 12 years from 1988 until last year, is seeking re-election to the council next May.

He is putting himself forward as a Labour candidate, but the selection process is at an early stage and he does not know which ward he will be asked to contest.

Mr Tanner, a freelance journalist and father-of-two, became city council leader in 1998. His time in office was controversial.

Mr Tanner once told a committee meeting that he was "bored out of his skull".

On another occasion, he laughed during a discussion about mental health issues.

The current adminstration, run by the Liberal Democrats and the Greens, has blamed Mr Tanner's administration for the council's present financial difficulties.

He said yesterday (TUES): "I desperately want to get back on the city council.

"I would love it if I could do that as part of a new Labour-run administration following local elections in May.

"I was criticised for my spending policies but, during my administration, the city council put central heating in 1,000 homes, got the Oxford United stadium plans started and took buses out of Cornmarket.

"I have been criticised for spending money on vital services, but that is exactly what a council is supposed to do."

"It's a record I'm very proud of."

Recalling his infamous "I'm bored" outburst, Mr Tanner said: "I was trying to say that sometimes the process of local government is boring.

"However, it can be very exciting and rewarding when decisions are made which deliver better services for the public."

The Labour group leader, Alex Hollingsworth, said: "John Tanner has a great deal of energy and experience and I would certainly welcome him back."