Lister has been linked to the chairmanship of the Homes and Communities Agency and a senior advisory role with the government’s UKTI inward investment agency.

The HCA role has yet to be advertised, but many in Westminster see him as well qualified.

Lister was leader of Wandsworth Council for 19 years before joining Johnson’s team five years ago. During his tenure at City Hall, Lister was regarded as a shrewd operator, able to deal effectively with developers, local authorities and central government alike. He played an instrumental role in the GLA’s public land disposals as well as planning policy.

Previous HCA chairman Robert Napier stood down in December, with Kevin Parry filling the role until a permanent chairman is appointed.

The HCA, the national housing and delivery agency for England and regulator of social housing provision, is also without a full-time chief executive. Andy Rose left after three years in January, with Mark Hodgkinson appointed as interim chief executive and accounting officer of the agency in April.

Lister is also expected to become a senior adviser to UKTI. He is already an advisory board member to the Regeneration Investment Organisation, which sits within UKTI, and his expected broader role would enable him to capitalise on inward investment contacts built up during his time as Johnson’s right-hand man.

RIO is also undergoing a restructuring that will see it become part of a larger directorate within UKTI, responsible for capital investment into UK infrastructure and real estate.