Oona King wants gyms to help deal with the sweat shops

Office workers may not have to struggle through the day next to sweaty colleagues who have just cycled into work for much longer.

Mayoral candidate Oona King says private gyms should provide showers for "hot and sticky" cyclists if their own company does not have facilities.

The former Labour MP believes the move would encourage more commuters to cycle into work - and create a more pleasant working environment for their colleagues. Ms King tried to steal Boris Johnson's cycling crown as she set out a target for 20 per cent of all journeys in the capital being made by bike in 2025. The mayoral hopeful, a keen cyclist, said her target would only be achieved if commuters began making regular journeys by bike.

"The incentive for commuters will increase if they know they can get a shower after a long and sticky ride to work," she said.

Ms King would also expand the Mayor's flagship cycle hire scheme to outer London and enable it to be paid for by Oyster card.

City Hall has shower facilities for its workers.