London Latest -- Olympic Implications for British Election

(ATR) With the British general election looming May 6, Conservative shadow Olympics minister Hugh Robertson tells Around the Rings his party plans to make the London 2012 sports legacy a key priority if they come to power.

"London 2012 will be a fantastic national celebration. However, it is vital to use it to encourage more people to take up sport," says Robertson.

With the Conservative Party ahead in the polls, current Olympics minister Tessa Jowellcould be out of office if the Tories win next month. Robertson is expected to take over the Olympics portfolio under a government led by David Cameron.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown fired the starting gun Tuesday when he announced the date of the general election. Labour is seeking a fourth term.

"Britain is on the road to recovery and nothing we do should put that recovery at risk," said Brown as he revealed the election date,signalingthat the economy will be a major issue. The handling of Olympic preparations are not supposed to be part of the campaign by mutual consent of the political parties.

"Despite the government's early mismanagement of the budget, the [Conservative] party is enormously encouraged by the progress made by both the ODA [Olympic Delivery Authority], in constructing the site, and LOCOG in event managing the Games," Robertson told ATR on Wednesday, indicating the muted tone Tory criticism might take.

"However, the single biggest issue facing London 2012 is the lack of a mass participation sports legacy - which was such a key part of London's bid. An incoming Conservative government would make this our top sports policy priority and has been working up a legacy plan with the help of Olympians Dame Kelly Holmes and Ben Ainslie."

Jowell has been a stalwart for London 2012, from the days when a bid was just a point to debate in parliament to2010, with construction of major venues now hurtling towards completion. She has also pushed from the startof planning years agothat venues and other major projects for the Games carrylegacy value.

Jowell is one of the four members of the 2012 Olympic Board and the only Labourite remaining on the panel that includes Sebastian Coe, Colin Moynihan and London Mayor Boris Johnson. Robertson claims a fourth Conservative would allow minimum disruption to Gamespreparations should the government change hands.

Since the London bid for the Games, Jowell has attended five Olympic Games. In his shadow role, Robertson accompanied the London 2012 bid team to Singapore and attended three Olympics: Turin, Beijing and Vancouver.

While the work of the Olympic ministry continues as usual during the campaign, rules issued by the Cabinet call for no major decisions or policy changes from ministers such as Jowell.

"During an election campaign, the Government retains its responsibility to govern, and Ministers remain in charge of their Departments. Essential business must be carried on. However, it is customary for Ministers to observe discretion in initiating any new action of a continuing or long-term character," says the guidance from the Cabinet Office.

Written by Mark Bissonand Ed Hula.