Cleverly announces bid to run for London mayor

James Cleverly, former shadow housing and local government secretary, has announced his intention to run for the position of London mayor. In a recent op-ed piece for The Sunday Times, Cleverly outlined his bid to the Conservative party's candidacy. He emphasized the need for someone who is "prepared to fight for its future" and pledged to champion London's interests.

Cleverly's candidacy would make him the most prominent figure to seek the Conservative mayoral nomination since Boris Johnson stepped down in 2016. The current mayor, Sadiq Khan, has not yet confirmed if he will seek re-election in 2028. Labour MP Dawn Butler has been speculated to potentially run for the Labour nomination, with rumors circulating about her campaign slogan "A New Dawn."

Cleverly's decision to enter the race could potentially put an end to speculation surrounding the Conservatives' mayoral candidate. In his op-ed, Cleverly criticized both Khan and Labour candidate Andy Burnham, accusing Burnham of treating London as a "cash cow" for higher tax receipts while Khan had allowed the city's reputation to deteriorate.

Cleverly expressed his intention to run as the Conservative candidate, stating that London needs a champion who believes in the city's potential and is ready to fight for its future. One insider familiar with Conservative plans in London believes Cleverly is the only candidate capable of challenging the city, which is widely considered a Labour stronghold.

Reform Party, led by Nigel Farage, announced that former Westminster councillor and Tory member Laila Cunningham would be standing for the party's mayoral nomination.