James Cleverly is running to be Mayor of London

I don’t believe he’s done it because he thinks his seat is in danger of being lost to Reform, because Reform are in a downward spiral, whilst the Tories are gaining momentum. Why now, whilst things are going well, if that was the case?

I believe Laila Cunningham and James Cleverly are both great candidates. However sadly I think this will split the vote and Khan will get in again with his 7 deputy mayors

Whitewavemark2

10 years is quite a long time though. Khan May step aside now.

Hopefully 🙏

Brilliant Graphite.

I suspect Cleverly knows his Braintree seat is in danger as it contains RAF Wethersfield. A few days ago, he and Braverman had a very public argument about that.

The flag and national anthem-obsessed, dishonest Reform councillors now in control at Essex County Council have announced a vigilante force to patrol his constituency town amongst others.

It’s performative nonsense but Reform could whip up enough hatred between now and the next GE for him to lose so he’s trying to line up another job - on top of the second one he currently has paying him an extra £58,000 a year on top of his MP salary.

Never forget this is the man who thinks a bit of Rohypnol in a woman’s drink is fine, voted for Brexit, supported Liz Truss, is against renter’s rights and voted to cut ESA for working people who are disabled. With Reform going after tenants and those needing benefits, he could be their secret weapon because former Tory Laila Cunningham isn’t going to cut it for them.

Never forget it was Tory policy, courtesy of Osborne and Johnson when Mayor, which almost bankrupted TfL during the pandemic.

Whitewavemark2

10 years is quite a long time though. Khan May step aside now.

I agree. Sometimes, every successful leader should realise that it's in everyone's interest to step down and pass on the baton. I think it's time for a change.

I'm a Londoner, but I left 5 years ago so can't comment on what things are like now. I thought at the time Kahn seemed a bit arrogant, but I was pleased he kept the free 60+ oyster card! He's obviously popular. DH will be cathedral concert singing for a couple of weeks in London next month, so I'll get the chance to see how things are. DD1 and family moved out of East London for a safer life and have never looked back.

Cleverly must have his reasons, we wait and see.

Laila Cunningham would get my vote.

FriedGreenTomatoes2

John Crace who writes political sketches for the Guardian has always referred to James Cleverly as Jimmy Dimley.

That one must have passed me by 🤷‍♀️

John Crace who writes political sketches for the Guardian has always referred to James Cleverly as Jimmy Dimley.

Feel just as safe in London now as I did in my commuting days in the 80’s and 90’s and in some ways, safer.

I’m not a Tory supporter, but I think Badenoch has actually done a half decent job of leading an opposition party.

She’s made some gaffes, but show me a politician who hasn’t?

Fallingstar

Yes I think it may be time to step aside not least because Khan is getting older and has suffered countless threats to his life and the lives of his family whilst in office. If he does I think he will leave a lasting legacy of cleaner air in the capital potentially saving the lives of children with breathing difficulties.

I think after 10 years and great majorities it probably is time for him to step outside.

I’m still a little surprised Cleverly has announced his intentions now and left the shadow cabinet, where he did have a voice. A week is a long time in politics, let alone 2 years!

Badenoch is not destroying the Tory party, however much you may wish it to be so.

Personally, though I don’t live in London, don’t think Sadiq has done a bad job.

Certainly many Londoners must agree given hat he’s been re-elected.

My views on Cleverly are pretty mixed and I think there will many contenders.

Let Londoners decide whom they wish to be their Mayor and good luck to all candidates

Casdon

He had a large majority sundowngirl, and is on his third term, so clearly a majority of voting Londoners do like him. He hasn’t confirmed yet whether he will be standing for a fourth term, but if he does it will be a battle.

I don’t care for him as he comes across as arrogant, “ little big man” syndrome comes to mind.
I don’t feel safe in London & I won’t be going back anytime soon.
Also I spoke with a few couples on holiday who moved right out of London to keep their children safe.

Grantanow

No future in the Tory Party so Jimmy Dimley hopes for a jobbie elsewhere.

Name calling - how childish…

Maybe Boris will stand again he was popular with Londoners at the time🤭

Three terms as Mayor is more than enough, time for someone new.

Yes I think it may be time to step aside not least because Khan is getting older and has suffered countless threats to his life and the lives of his family whilst in office. If he does I think he will leave a lasting legacy of cleaner air in the capital potentially saving the lives of children with breathing difficulties.

That is all true Fallingstar and as Whitewavemark said he may want to step aside after 10 years.

10 years is quite a long time though. Khan May step aside now.

Of course Sadiq will be unpopular with some Londoners, I daresay Burnham wasn’t popular with all Mancunians. These cities have massive populations.
But I personally don’t think Sadiq is in danger of losing to a candidate like Cleverly. And just as some posters may know others in London who don’t like the man I know many who do and three times elected does kind of speak for itself.

No future in the Tory Party so Jimmy Dimley hopes for a jobbie elsewhere.

I know Maremia..... astonishing isn't it? After 14 years of Tory sleaze, entitlement and dubious behaviours he could potentially be voted in as Mayor of London. Oh dear! 🙄

Voted in three times?
He can't be that unpopular.