Key facts
- James Cleverly announced his candidacy for the 2028 London mayoral election.
- Cleverly stated that Londoners do not feel safe walking down the street.
- He aims to crack down on petty crime such as phone theft and shoplifting.
- Cleverly wants London to be a more dynamic 24-hour city with better overnight transport and cheaper nights out.
- He believes Sadiq Khan has not led London with the dynamism the city deserves.
- Cleverly has secured the backing of over half of Conservative councillors in the capital and four local Tory MPs.
Conservative MP James Cleverly has announced his intention to run for Mayor of London in 2028, aiming to unseat the incumbent, Sadiq Khan. Cleverly, who previously served as Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary, stated that Londoners do not feel safe walking the streets and are leaving the capital due to rising prices. He criticized Khan's leadership, saying the current mayor has not approached the role with the necessary dynamism.
Cleverly, who grew up in south east London, has already garnered significant support within the Conservative party, securing backing from over half of the capital's Conservative councillors and four local Tory MPs. He plans to focus on cracking down on petty crimes like phone theft and shoplifting, and envisions London as a more vibrant 24-hour city with improved overnight transport and more affordable nightlife.
He also intends to conduct a comprehensive review of City Hall's expenditures to redirect funds towards unlocking the city's potential. Cleverly expressed a deep affection for London, describing it as 'brilliant, fantastic and amazing' and emphasizing his desire to see it 'buzzing and safe and clean.' He drew inspiration from Ronald Reagan's philosophy of achieving goals without negativity or divisiveness.