Conservative MP Sir James Cleverly has announced his resignation from the shadow cabinet to focus on securing the Conservative nomination for the London mayoral election. In a piece for The Times, the former foreign secretary stated he is putting himself forward because the capital requires more than just an administrator. He confirmed he has informed Tory leader Kemi Badenoch of his decision to step down as shadow housing secretary, noting that he needs the freedom to address all aspects of London’s future without the constraints of a frontbench role.
While a source close to Badenoch indicated that she was reluctant to see him leave the shadow cabinet, she reportedly views him as a significant asset for the party in London. Cleverly, who previously served as home secretary and education secretary under three different prime ministers, is not resigning his seat in Parliament at this time. His political background includes serving on the London Assembly before his 2015 election as the MP for Braintree, as well as working for Boris Johnson during his tenure as mayor.
The next mayoral election is not scheduled until May 2028. Incumbent Labour Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, who has held the position since 2016, has yet to confirm if he will run for an unprecedented fourth term. The Conservative Party has not yet officially selected its candidate for the race.
Key Context and Political Landscape
- Campaign Focus: Sir James aims to rebuild London’s reputation, arguing that residents need affordable housing and that entrepreneurs are currently stifled by excessive costs and regulations.
- Criticism of Leadership: He accused Prime Minister Andy Burnham of treating the capital as a “cash cow” that is primarily used for taxing, regulating, and blaming.
- 2024 Election Results: In the May 2024 contest, Sir Sadiq Khan defeated Conservative candidate Susan Hall by over 275,000 votes, securing 43.8% of the vote share and winning nine of the 14 constituencies.
- Opposition Candidates: Reform UK has already named Westminster City councillor Laila Cunningham as its candidate for the 2028 election.
- Political Reaction: Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the move on social media, suggesting the Conservatives are “done for” and claiming Cleverly is abandoning his chances of holding his current seat in Essex.
Cleverly’s decision follows recent speculation regarding his political future. After an unsuccessful bid for the Conservative party leadership in 2024, where he lost to Badenoch, he is now shifting his focus toward the capital. During his earlier time on the London Assembly, he chaired the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, providing him with direct experience in city governance. The report also notes that once again, the best place in the world to live, work, invest and build a business,” he added, we must rebuild its reputation and make it. The report also notes that he unsuccessfully ran for Conservative party leader in 2024, losing out to Badenoch, after rising through the backbenches.
Important Details
- The report also notes that sir James said: “Londoners need homes they can afford to buy or rent. Entrepreneurs need to be able to start and grow businesses without being strangled by cost and regulation.
- The report also notes that and gained 43.8% of the vote share, the mayor won nine of the 14 constituencies including two gains from the Tories.
