A pro-EU entrepreneur who bankrolled a court case to ensure MPs got a vote on Brexit has announced his plans to stand for London mayor.

Pimlico Plumbers founder and chief executive Charlie Mullins said he would put an ambassador for London in Brussels, to fight for the capital’s position as an international centre for trade.

Millionaire Mr Mullins, who has previously donated to the Conservatives, said he would stand as an independent in the 2020 race for City Hall.

He backed Remain in the 2016 EU referendum and said the victory for Brexit reflected a “backlash” against London.

And he helped fund Gina Miller’s Supreme Court battle last year to force ministers to obtain MPs’ consent to trigger EU withdrawal under Article 50.

“We are now experiencing a backlash against our great capital and its inhabitants, the first example being what happened in June 2016, and somebody has to stand up for London and make its voices heard,” said Mr Mullins.

“This is why I have decided to stand as an independent candidate for London mayor in 2020.

“I reckon I have the credentials to do the job, and with the right team behind me I know I can make a difference at a time when there is every chance that we will need to fight, harder than ever, to retain London’s primacy, as an international trade centre, against huge opposition from cities like Paris and Frankfurt.”

Mr Mullins said his platform would include free travel for registered apprentices under 25 on the Tube and bus network.