Cleverly launches classically Conservative pitch for London mayor
James Cleverly has announced his candidacy for London mayor, vowing to run a classically Conservative campaign and arguing that a victory in the capital would help Kemi Badenoch become prime minister. He also criticised Sadiq Khan and Andy Burnham.
James Cleverly has formally entered the race to become the next mayor of London, pledging to run a «classically Conservative» campaign and arguing that winning the capital would pave the way for Kemi Badenoch to become prime minister. The former home and foreign secretary announced he was quitting the shadow cabinet to stand for City Hall, a move that positions him as a key figure in the Conservative Party’s efforts to regain ground in a city where it has been out of power for years.
In his pitch, Cleverly sought to distance himself from the culture war debates that have dominated much of recent British politics, instead focusing on traditional Conservative themes of governance, competence, and delivery. He claimed that the current mayor, Sadiq Khan, has «lost passion for the job», and accused Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, of being «very anti-London». Cleverly’s remarks suggest he intends to frame the contest not only as a challenge to Labour’s record in the capital but also as a defence of London’s interests against what he portrays as neglect from other parts of the country.
The decision to run for mayor marks a significant shift for Cleverly, who had been a prominent figure in the shadow cabinet. He denied that his resignation was linked to a rightward shift under Badenoch’s leadership, insisting instead that his campaign would be grounded in a pragmatic, classically Conservative approach. Political observers note that a Conservative victory in London would be a major boost for the party nationally, potentially strengthening Badenoch’s position ahead of the next general election.
Cleverly’s campaign is likely to focus on issues such as policing, housing, and transport, areas where the Conservatives believe they can challenge Khan’s record. He has also signalled that he will avoid the divisive social issues that have sometimes overshadowed Conservative messaging, preferring to concentrate on bread-and-butter concerns for Londoners. The move is seen as an attempt to broaden the party’s appeal in a city that has increasingly voted Labour in recent years.
The mayoral election is expected to take place in May 2027, and Cleverly will face a crowded field of candidates from other parties. His entry into the race adds a new dynamic, as he brings significant national profile and experience from his time in government. Whether his classically Conservative pitch can resonate with London’s diverse electorate remains to be seen, but his campaign is already being watched closely as a potential bellwether for the party’s fortunes.
