James Cleverly quits shadow cabinet to run for London mayor
Conservative politician James Cleverly has resigned from the shadow cabinet to seek the party's nomination for London mayor in the 2028 election. He is seen as one of the most senior Tory figures to pursue the role in recent years.
Former UK home and foreign secretary James Cleverly has stepped down from his role as shadow housing, communities and local government minister, with the resignation taking immediate effect. The move clears the way for the Braintree MP to seek the Conservative nomination for London mayor.
Cleverly, who previously lost the Conservative leadership contest to Kemi Badenoch, is regarded as a more moderate figure within a party that has shifted rightward. He informed Badenoch of his decision personally, describing her reaction as gracious. He argued that Conservative success in London is essential to the party's broader ambitions, pushing back on the notion that the capital is inherently a Labour stronghold given its business, entrepreneurial and cultural character.
Criticism of the current mayor
Cleverly was critical of incumbent mayor Sadiq Khan, suggesting Khan has treated the role as a springboard toward a more prominent national position rather than focusing on delivery, particularly on tackling street crime. Cleverly said he would not be surprised if Khan chose not to seek a fourth term.
Khan is currently midway through his third term and has not yet said whether he intends to run again when the next mayoral election takes place in May 2028. In the 2024 contest, the Conservative candidate Susan Hall lost to Khan, who won with 43.8% of the vote.
Should Khan decide not to stand, Labour MP Dawn Butler is seen as a likely contender, having previously expressed interest in the role. The article also notes that former prime minister Keir Starmer granted Khan a peerage shortly before leaving office, a move that could theoretically open a path to a cabinet role under Andy Burnham, though Khan is understood to have indicated he has no interest in becoming a minister.
