Key facts
- James Cleverly intends to run for London mayor.
- He plans a "classically Conservative" campaign emphasizing enterprise and opportunity.
- Cleverly suggested his success could benefit Kemi Badenoch's national political aspirations.
- He is seen as a more moderate figure within the Conservative party.
- The supplementary vote system in London mayoral elections requires appealing to centrist and Liberal Democrat voters.
James Cleverly has declared his intention to run for the position of London mayor, outlining a campaign strategy he described as "classically Conservative." He articulated a vision centered on enterprise and opportunity, suggesting that a Conservative victory in the capital could serve as a launchpad for Kemi Badenoch's aspirations to become prime minister.
Cleverly, a former home and foreign secretary, stated his campaign would align with Badenoch's broader national plans. He is perceived as a more moderate figure within the Conservative party, particularly as the party has seen a shift to the right amid growing support for Reform UK. Experts suggest Cleverly might adopt a pre-Brexit, centrist Conservative approach to appeal to a wider range of voters, including those who might otherwise support the Liberal Democrats, especially given the supplementary vote system used in London mayoral elections.
This move by a prominent Conservative figure raises questions about the re-election prospects of the incumbent, Sadiq Khan, who has held the mayoral office since 2016. While Khan has not yet confirmed if he will seek a fourth term, recent polls indicate a divided public opinion on his potential candidacy. A Mile End Institute poll suggested Khan could win a fourth term, but also showed significant support for other parties, including Reform UK and the Greens.
Cleverly also criticized Khan's perceived lack of enthusiasm for the role, positioning himself as a Londoner who would champion the city's interests, contrasting this with his view of Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, as being "anti-London."