Cleverly quits shadow cabinet to run for London mayor

Conservative MP Sir James Cleverly has stepped down from the shadow cabinet to launch his bid for London mayor. In a statement published in The Times, Cleverly declared his intention to become the Conservative candidate, arguing that the capital requires more than just an administrator.

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I am putting myself forward to be the Conservative candidate for mayor of London, because our capital needs more than an administrator.

Cleverly informed Tory leader Kemi Badenoch of his resignation as shadow housing secretary. He stated that he needs the freedom to discuss all aspects of London's future and to fully concentrate on winning the mayoral race. The election for London's mayor is not scheduled until 2028.

Cleverly, who previously served as foreign secretary under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, expressed his ambition to restore London's reputation. He aims to make the city once again the premier global destination for living, working, investing, and conducting business.

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I must be free to speak about every aspect of London's future and concentrate fully on winning this race.

Incumbent Labour Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has yet to confirm whether he will seek an unprecedented fourth term in office. Cleverly's decision sets the stage for a potential high-profile contest in the coming years.

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We must rebuild its reputation and make it, once again, the best place in the world to live, work, invest and build a business.