Angela Rayner backs Sadiq Khan as mayoral race heats up, Conservatives name four hopefuls
Rayner says she will support Khan if he seeks a fourth term; Tory shortlist includes Sir James Cleverly ahead of the 2028 election
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Communities Secretary Angela Rayner told The Standard she would back Sadiq Khan if he chooses to stand for a fourth term as Mayor of London. Rayner said she is "absolutely 100% behind Sadiq" and praised his work on issues such as rough sleeping. The mayor is expected to make a formal decision on his candidacy in 2027, a year before the 2028 election.
Background to the mayoral contest
Labour projected to win 59-60 London seats in election poll
New survey suggests significant gains for Labour and losses for Conservatives and Greens across the capital.
Khan has completed three terms in City Hall and has faced criticism from opposition parties on crime, transport and housing. Polling cited by The Standard suggests a majority of Londoners think he should not seek another term, yet the same surveys indicate he would likely win if he ran again. Labour MPs including Dawn Butler, David Lammy, Rosena Allin‑Khan and Steve Reed have been mentioned as possible alternatives should Khan step aside.
Conservative shortlist announced
The Conservative Party released a shortlist of four names for its mayoral candidate selection. The list comprises Sir James Cleverly, former foreign secretary; Sara Gezdari, who finished second in Richmond Park in the 2024 general election; Festus Akinbusoye, former police and crime commissioner; and Alex Challoner, a businessman. Party officials said the list will be narrowed to two or three candidates by early November, after which London party members will vote.
Mayoral election: Candidates emerge as Khan's plans unclear
The Conservative party is shortlisting candidates, while independents and other parties begin to declare intentions.
I love working with Sadiq Khan. Every time you speak to him, he is Mr London.
Angela Rayner, Communities Secretary
What happens next
Khan’s decision in 2027 will set the tone for Labour’s selection process, while the Conservative Party’s internal ballot will determine its challenger for the 2028 contest. Residents can follow updates through council communications and party announcements as the timelines unfold.
Questions this report answers
+When will Sadiq Khan decide whether to run for a fourth term?
Khan is expected to announce his intention in 2027, a year before the 2028 mayoral election. The timing allows parties to organise their candidate selections and gives voters a clear view of the contest.
+What did Angela Rayner say about Sadiq Khan?
Rayner told The Standard she would support Khan if he chooses to run again, describing him as "Mr London" and highlighting his partnership on rough sleeping. She said she is fully behind him.
+Who are the four Conservative candidates on the shortlist?
The shortlist includes Sir James Cleverly, Sara Gezdari, Festus Akinbusoye and Alex Challoner. Party officials said the list will be reduced to two or three names by early November for a member ballot.
+When will the Conservative Party narrow its shortlist?
The party plans to trim the list to two or three candidates by early November, after which London Conservative members will vote to select the final mayoral candidate for the 2028 election.
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