Political ‘large hitter’ James Cleverly quits job to problem Sadiq Khan as London mayor
James Cleverly is quitting the Conservative shadow cabinet so he can run for London mayor. The MP for Braintree is leaving his role as shadow minister for housing, communities and local government, immediately
Sadiq Khan faces a new challenger(Image: Getty)
James Cleverly is stepping down from the Conservative shadow cabinet to launch his bid for London mayor. The Braintree MP is vacating his post as shadow minister for housing, communities and local government with immediate effect, according to The Times.
He will likely be the Tory candidate vying to succeed Sir Sadiq Khan as London mayor and said that the Conservatives need a “credible big hitter” running for the role.
His successor in the shadow cabinet remains unknown. The former foreign secretary and Braintree MP stated that the capital required “a champion, someone who understands its potential and is prepared to fight for its future”.
In a Sunday Times op-ed, he said: “I have told Kemi Badenoch that I will leave the shadow cabinet. Serving there has been a privilege, and I know there will continue to be strong voices around that table.
“But to run the most effective campaign possible, I must be free to speak about every aspect of London’s future and concentrate fully on winning this race. “.
James Cleverly wants to replace Sadiq Khan(Image: Getty)
Following the announcement, Mr Cleverly posted on X (formerly Twitter ): “London needs more than an administrator.
“It needs a champion, someone who understands its potential and is prepared to fight for its future. That’s why I’m running to be the Conservative Candidate for London Mayor.
The Times reports that a source close to the Tory leader said: “Kemi is delighted that someone of his calibre wants to put himself forward to be Conservative nominee for mayor of London.
“She really wants someone to take on Sadiq Khan, as he is destroying the London she loves.”
