James Cleverly is running to be Mayor of London

Cleverly is a more moderate Tory - certainly more so than Badenoch - it is doubtful that Cleverly would be accepted as a candidate if he applied to the Tories at this time.

I agree that it will take some time, but I don’t think one’s opinion of individuals in a government which is failing, or successful is that they are ‘all the same’ - some of them garner more respect because of how they conduct business, themselves, and your perception of their integrity. As Ladyleftfieldlover said, perhaps a good description for it is gravitas.

I have never really thought of him as high calibre I suppose, not really to do with his beliefs. I think for all them ( Badenoch included) the legacy of the 14 year tory period is so difficult to overcome.

Galaxy

I dont really understand why he is popular to be honest, I mean on here, what do people like about him? I am fairly neutral about him but I wouldn't have thought he would be people's cup of tea.

I also don’t really have an opinion on him, he has never struck me as particularly note worthy, but in a political desert when it comes to half decent politicians I suppose he is okay.

Why do you say that Galaxy, I think most people recognise a high calibre politician, regardless of their personal political beliefs?

I dont really understand why he is popular to be honest, I mean on here, what do people like about him? I am fairly neutral about him but I wouldn't have thought he would be people's cup of tea.

Fallingstar

sundowngirl

I’ll be keeping everything crossed that he beats Sadiq Khan but I fear not

As a Londoner I believe Sadiq has been a great mayor. Just recently it was proved that ULEZ had lowered the dangerous emissions in the air in the capital. Most Londoners rate him pretty highly. And I suppose that is all that mattersz

My three children live in London and admire Sadiq - together with every London taxi driver I’ve ever spoken to!

I am not a Tory voter by any means but thought James Cleverly would have made an admirable Tory leader. He has a certain gravitas which Badenoch doesn’t have.

I think it is more a question of distancing himself from a political party that is failing without any clear direction.

Maybe he wants time to build his brand so to speak although I would have thought he could do that more effectively in shadow cabinet. Obviously it is hard to predict the future but personally I think badenoch is secure as leader for a while.

It’s more that he’s declared his hand now, and stood down from the shadow cabinet rather than holding his counsel, when the election is still two years away - and as they say, that’s a long time in politics.

But why would it be a waste, he may win, few years as mayor, tories have a few years to rebuild then bobs your uncle.

I’m surprised too. I rate Cleverly highly. I assume it will be difficult to beat Sadiq Khan, and then what a waste of a talented politician. Maybe he thinks even more difficult to shift Badenoch.o

Sorry don’t know where that z came from.

sundowngirl

I’ll be keeping everything crossed that he beats Sadiq Khan but I fear not

As a Londoner I believe Sadiq has been a great mayor. Just recently it was proved that ULEZ had lowered the dangerous emissions in the air in the capital. Most Londoners rate him pretty highly. And I suppose that is all that mattersz

I’ll be keeping everything crossed that he beats Sadiq Khan but I fear not

It would be less controversial to hang in there though, I don’t think he’d have to wait too long, and he’d surely be the obvious choice? The next mayoral election isn’t until 2028, so presumably he’s ruling himself out of a Tory leadership bid.

Perhaps his aim is higher than leader. Being mayor of a major city is becoming a reliable path to becoming PM