James Cleverly quits shadow cabinet for London Mayor bid
Conservative MP announces intention to seek party's nomination for 2028 election.
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The central claim is attributed to James Cleverly and Kemi Badenoch's office, with a poll cited from Savanta for the Mile End Institute.
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Sir James Cleverly has resigned from the Conservative shadow cabinet to seek selection as the Conservative candidate for the 2028 London Mayoral election. In an op-ed published in the Sunday Times, the MP for Braintree stated his intention to run for the capital's top political office. He informed Tory leader Kemi Badenoch of his decision to leave the front bench, explaining that he needed to be free to speak on all aspects of London's future and concentrate on winning the race.
A need for a champion
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Cleverly, a former Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary, said that London requires "a champion, someone who understands its potential and is prepared to fight for its future." He indicated that the capital has been "let down by Labour" and accused Prime Minister Andy Burnham of treating London as a "cash cow: somewhere to tax, regulate, raid and blame." He also highlighted the need for affordable housing and reduced business regulation.
The next London mayoral election is scheduled for May 2028. Current Mayor Sadiq Khan, who began his first term in 2016, has not yet confirmed whether he will seek an unprecedented fourth term. A poll conducted by Savanta for the Mile End Institute this month showed Labour leading in London with 33% of the vote, with Reform Ltd on 20%, the Conservatives on 18%, the Greens on 14%, and the Liberal Democrats on 10%.
Selection process and potential rivals
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Cleverly will not be automatically selected as the Conservative candidate and is expected to compete with other potential contenders. Festus Akinbusoye, a Westminster councillor and former Police and Crime Commissioner, is anticipated to announce his candidacy in the coming weeks. A source close to Kemi Badenoch reportedly stated that Cleverly is a "formidable politician" and would be a "big asset in London," despite the leader not wanting him to leave the shadow cabinet.
Cleverly previously served as the Conservative London Assembly Member for Bromley and Bexley between 2008 and 2016. He was elected as the MP for Braintree in 2015. He also ran unsuccessfully for Conservative party leader in 2024, losing to Badenoch.
Questions this report answers
+Why has Sir James Cleverly resigned from the shadow cabinet?
Sir James Cleverly has resigned from the Conservative shadow cabinet to focus his efforts on seeking selection as the Conservative candidate for the 2028 London Mayoral election. He stated he needs to be free to speak on all aspects of London's future and concentrate fully on winning the race.
+When is the next London Mayoral election?
The next election for the Mayor of London is scheduled to take place in May 2028. Current Mayor Sadiq Khan has not yet confirmed if he will seek a fourth term in office.
+What is the current political standing in London according to recent polls?
A recent poll conducted by Savanta for the Mile End Institute indicates that the Labour party is leading in London with 33% of the vote. Reform Ltd follows with 20%, the Conservatives with 18%, the Green Party with 14%, and the Liberal Democrats with 10%.
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