James Cleverly announced plans to run a classically Conservative campaign for the mayor of London, stating that a victory in the capital would serve as a stepping stone for Kemi Badenoch to become prime minister, according to his recent media interviews.
The senior Conservative denied resigning from the shadow cabinet to pursue the mayoral race following the party’s shift to the right under Badenoch’s leadership. Speaking on Times Radio, the former home and foreign secretary explained that his vision focuses on enterprise and opportunity. “I am going to put forward a classic Conservative case to be the mayor of London, and it’s about enterprise, it’s about opportunity,” Cleverly told Times Radio. He added that this vision will run in parallel to and support Badenoch’s plans for the country.
Mayoral Strategy and Past Conservative Campaigns
If Cleverly secures the Conservative nomination, he is expected to run a more moderate campaign than Susan Hall, the party’s last candidate. Hall drew criticism during the contest for claiming there was a problem with crime in the black community and apologizing for liking a 2020 tweet featuring a picture of Enoch Powell captioned with the phrase, “It’s never too late to get London back.” Hall ultimately lost to Labour’s Sadiq Khan, who secured 43.8% of the vote in 2024.
Cleverly lost his own bid to lead the Conservative Party to Badenoch. Political analysts view him as a more moderate voice within a party that has shifted rightward amid growing support for Nigel Farage’s rightwing Reform UK party. Giles Dilnot, the editor of Conservative Home, stated in interviews that he sees no hidden leadership ambitions behind Cleverly’s mayoral run. “There is not a hidden side order of ‘what’s next’ here,” Dilnot said, adding that Cleverly is well-positioned to present himself as a normal Londoner who wants the city to succeed.
Did You Know? Sadiq Khan was first elected as the mayor of London in 2016 and has faced ongoing questions about whether he will run for a fourth term in the May 2028 contest.
Electoral Dynamics and the Supplementary Vote System
The 2028 London mayoral election will mark the restoration of the supplementary vote system. Under this electoral setup, voters indicate a preferred first and second choice, with second choices counted if no candidate secures more than 50% of the primary vote. Prof Tony Travers of the London School of Economics noted that this system requires Cleverly to appeal beyond his base to voters whose initial preference might be the Liberal Democrats.
“The last thing Cleverly would want to do is put off Liberal Democrats, whose party has been the main beneficiaries of the Conservatives’ shift to the right in the south of England,” Travers stated. Consequently, analysts anticipate a pre-Brexit traditional, centrist Conservative approach from the candidate.
Polling and Potential Labour Contenders
The entry of a Conservative big hitter into the race arrives alongside questions about Sadiq Khan’s political future. A YouGov survey conducted this month indicated that 56% of London residents believe Khan should step down and allow another Labour candidate to run. However, a separate poll for the Mile End Institute at Queen Mary University of London, conducted by Savanta, suggested Khan would win a fourth term if he stands. That survey placed Labour on 33%, Reform on 20%, the Conservatives on 18%, the Greens on 14%, and the Liberal Democrats on 10%.
Should Khan step aside, Dawn Butler, the Labour MP for Brent East, is expected to seek the nomination, alongside other potential candidates such as Rosena Allin-Khan and former justice secretary David Lammy. Meanwhile, Cleverly criticized Khan in an interview with LBC, claiming the incumbent had lost passion for the job and accusing Andy Burnham of running a “war with London.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What position is James Cleverly running for?
James Cleverly has announced his intention to run for the mayor of London, stating that a win would support Kemi Badenoch’s path to becoming prime minister.
How will the voting system work in the 2028 election?
The 2028 London mayoral election will restore the supplementary vote system, allowing voters to cast both a first and second choice.
Who won the previous London mayoral election?
Labour’s Sadiq Khan won the 2024 mayoral election with 43.8% of the vote, defeating Conservative candidate Susan Hall.
What impact do you think the restoration of the supplementary vote system will have on the 2028 London mayoral race?
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