Mayor of London Boris Johnson has reportedly approached Sainsbury’s boss Justin King to become his principal adviser on the London 2012 Olympics.

The approach comes after his previous advisor on the Games, David Ross, resigned from the post. The departure of Ross, co-founder of Carphone Warehouse, followed his admission that he had failed to disclose using shares in four public companies as collateral for personal loans.

It is understood King has yet to decide whether to accept Johnson’s offer. It is thought the mayor has assured King that the advisory role would be apolitical.

The Mayor’s office would not confirm the approach to King. It told the Financial Times: “The mayor is talking to a number of people about this position and an announcement will be issued in due course.”