The race to unseat Sadiq Khan in 2028 has officially begun, drawing a slate of political contenders into the contest even as the incumbent remains undecided on whether he will seek a fourth term. According to the source material, candidates from the Conservative Party, Reform UK, and the Labour Party have announced their intentions or signaled readiness to run for one of the most sought-after jobs in British politics.
James Cleverly and Festus Akinbusoye Enter the Conservative Contest
Former home secretary James Cleverly announced he will seek to be the Conservative mayoral candidate. Over the weekend, Cleverly was seen riding a Lime bike through London, where he declared that “London Bridge has got its mojo back” and stated he has a “soft spot for Ealing”, the location where he met his wife, Susie. The MP for Braintree in Essex described himself as “an aspirational, entrepreneurial, forward-thinking Conservative candidate that is in tune with the city”. Cleverly acknowledged that London leans left, but maintained that “London is a much more pragmatic city when it comes to voting”.
Joining Cleverly in the contest for the Tory nomination is Festus Akinbusoye, a Westminster councillor and Britain’s first ever black police commissioner. Akinbusoye presented himself as a “fresh face” for the role, noting that he has “not been part of a government in the past, but I come with solid private sector experience”.
Reform UK Candidacy and Polling Landscape
The Conservative bid faces complications from Reform UK candidate Laila Cunningham, a former Crown Prosecution Service prosecutor. Cunningham stated she has been pounding the streets of London since the beginning of the year to drum up support, declaring, “I’m not stepping aside for the Tories.” Cunningham criticized Cleverly as “literally the establishment” and predicted the race could shape up as “two Sirs versus a woman: Sir Khan and Sir Cleverly.”
Recent polling figures from Savanta UK for the Mile End Institute at Queen Mary University of London place Labour’s candidate at 33%, with the Tories and Reform UK tied at 18% each. The Green party stands at 17%, and the Liberal Democrats trail at 9%.
Did You Know? Festus Akinbusoye serves on the licensing committee of Westminster council, which has consulted to restrict “vertical drinking”—standing and drinking—in pubs.
Labour Contingency Plans and Green Party Stance
Labour’s candidate status remains tied to Sadiq Khan, who has been coy about standing for a fourth term and stated he will make a decision next year. Should Khan decline to run, Labour MP for Brent East Dawn Butler has signaled her readiness. Butler shared a video walking past a sign reading “a new Dawn for London” with the caption, “When London puts up signs saying ‘A New Dawn’ … what else was I supposed to do?” Butler first floated her mayoral ambitions in 2023.
Meanwhile, the Green party has no obvious contenders in sight, with attention focused on its leader Zack Polanski’s plan to fight the Holborn and St Pancras byelection. A Green party source indicated they have a number of people who’d be incredible candidates and feel confident following recent local election results.
He may do better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is currently leading in the polls for the London mayoral race?
According to a recent poll by Savanta UK for the Mile End Institute at Queen Mary University of London, Labour’s candidate sits at 33%, followed by the Tories at 18%, Reform UK at 18%, the Green party at 17%, and the Liberal Democrats at 9%.
What did James Cleverly say about his mayoral campaign?
James Cleverly stated that he is running as “an aspirational, entrepreneurial, forward-thinking Conservative candidate that is in tune with the city” and described London as “a much more pragmatic city when it comes to voting.”
Has Sadiq Khan confirmed if he will run again?
No. Sadiq Khan has been coy about whether he will stand again, and said he would make a decision next year.
How do you think a split right-wing vote between the Conservatives and Reform UK will alter the outcome of the upcoming London mayoral election?
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