Sol Campbell ‘considering joining Tory Party’

Sol Campbell, playing for England during a 2006 World Cup qualifier, is considering joining the Tories. Picture: Getty

Campbell, who hung up his boots in 2011, said last week that he was mulling over a move into politics in order to fight Labour’s proposed introduction of mansion tax, should they win next year’s General Election.

Speaking at the launch of his new biography at Cheltenham Literature Festival, the defender - who also had spells with Portsmouth, Notts County and Newcastle United - admitted he was considering an active role.

“[Let’s have] a conversation just to see where they want to go with things. I think something has got to be offered for me to really think about it.

“I have got so much to offer. I think it is very important for the black vote. If the ‘black vote’ votes it will clearly push someone over the line. I am for getting people from my background to vote.”

Campbell, who won 73 caps for England, added that if he was to be made a consultant for the government, then he could act but ‘not be left with nowhere to manoeuvre.’

He added: “Politics is very hard work. You have to really commit to things. Some people get into it for the wrong reasons.”

Campbell, 40, claimed in March that he would have been England captain for ‘more than 10 years’ if he had been white, but is hopeful FA chairman Greg Dyke can use his Commission to help tackle racism in the game.

He also confirmed he had been doing his coaching badges with the Welsh FA, adding: “I am on the last year of the pro licence. Whether I’m going to use it straight away I’m not too sure.

“Whether I can use it here I don’t know.”