Despite Labour’s massive lead in the polls, Mr Khan is believed to be vulnerable because of the widespread anger over his ULEZ expansion which will cost thousands of Londoners £12.50 a day to use the vehicles.
He was blamed for the Uxbridge and South Rusilip by-election defeat for Labour in Boris Johnson’s former seat and there have been rumours he could be replaced by Brent North MP Dawn Butler or Tooting MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan.
If Mr Corbyn were to run it would split the Labour vote but as an independent candidate the former party leader would in many people’s eyes be the favourite to win.
It would also improve the chances of Conservative candidate Susan Hall who has pledged to switch off the ULEZ cameras on day one if she is elected.
Meanwhile, Corbyn running for London Mayor would pose massive problems for Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer with the left of his party already in open revolt against his policy U-turns.
The Edinburgh Fringe event took place yesterday (Saturday August 5) and Mr Corbyn was asked if he would stand as an independent candidate at the next general election.
He told the audience: “I’m very happy and very proud to be the MP for Islington North. I live in the area, I know large numbers of people in the area.
“I have learned a great deal from the people I represent. I am available to represent the people if that is what they wish.”
Questioned over whether he plans stand for mayor, he said: “Well, let’s have a think about it, shall we?
“I want to see change in our society. I’m not disappearing, I’m not going away.
“I look at my diary and I’m more active than I have ever been at any other time in my life.”
Mr Corbyn and mr McCluskey were at the event to talk about an anthology of poems “For the Many”, which they have jointly put together and will be published in November.