Who is James Cleverly? Conservative politician launches London mayor bid

Conservative MP Sir James Cleverly resigned from the shadow cabinet to run for London mayor stating that he wants to concentrate fully on the mayoral race.

The 56-year-old wrote in The Times, “I am putting myself forward to be the Conservative candidate for mayor of London because our capital needs more than an administrator.”

Sir James stated he has told Tory leader Kemi Badenoch he is resigning as shadow Housing Secretary, saying, “I must be free to speak about every aspect of London’s future and concentrate fully on winning this race.”

The capital is now seeking to vote for a new mayor until May 2028. At present, Labour incumbent Sir Sadiq Khan is yet to confirm whether he will campaign for an unprecedented fourth term.

Sir James has held a number of ministerial positions under three prime ministers including key roles as home secretary and Education Secretary.

Londoners elected their mayor in May 2024 when Sir Sadiw beat Conservative rival Susan Hall by more than 275,000 representing a 3.2% swing to Labour.

This announcement came after a poll found that most Londoners would like Sir Sadiq to step aside at the upcoming election.

In this connection, Sir James said: “We need a credible big hitter putting themselves forward for mayor of London."

“It’s a business city, entrepreneurialism, arts, culture. I don’t buy the lazy idea that London is a Labour city. It represents the philosophical heart of the Conservative Party.”

“London is one of the country’s greatest assets; it needs protecting from the assault we’re getting from Burnham.”

Sir James was born and raised in Lewisham, south London, was elected to the London Assembly for Bexley and Bromley in 2008 and represented the constituency for almost eight years.