Tories fire starting pistol for London Mayoral race
Election 2019: Sadiq Khan attends polling station with dog Luna
Tory HQ has fired the starting pistol for the London Mayor election, with candidates hoping to replace Sadiq Khan now invited to submit their nomination forms. A key meeting this afternoon with all London Assembly Members and borough leaders, called ‘Winning in London’, will mark the start of the Conservatives’ efforts to take back City Hall. The party also sent out the link for the candidate application portal over the Coronation weekend.
The successful candidate will be announced on July 19, giving those wanting the nomination 10 months to campaign ahead of the election.
Two candidates have already declared, though it’s expected more will come forward in the coming days and weeks.
With the race formally starting, frontrunner Samuel Kasumu has confirmed he will be applying for the nomination.
Mr Kasumu, a former Boris Johnson advisor who has already picked up senior endorsements, promises to offer “a new vision that unites the city and inspires hope”.
Samuel Kasumu has already been endorsed by Priti Patel, Grant Shapps, Steve Baker and Richard Taylor – the father of Damilola Taylor, a 10-year-old Nigerian schoolboy killed in London in 2000 by two brothers aged 12 and 13.
He has picked Keith Prince as his running mate, a London Assembly Member and former leader of Redbridge Council.
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Former City Hall Tory leader Susan Hall has also announced she’s running, promising a common sense pitch to sort out the mess created by Sadiq Khan.
Ms Hall says that having years of experience going head-to-head with Sadiq Khan in the London Assembly, she knows his weaknesses and how to expose him for who he really is.
She added: “We need to beat Sadiq Khan, so we can get the police working again, stop punishing people with unfair taxes, and build a lot more homes in the right places.”
“Not too long ago, London was a safer, happier and more tolerant city. It can be that again. If I am your candidate, we will get there.”
It’s thought a senior MP could also apply for the role, with London Minister Paul Scully and Security Minister Tom Tugendhat leading the rumour mill.
Andrew Boff, who stood for the candidacy last time and was defeated by Shaun Bailey, is also thought to be mulling a run.
Announcing the contest this afternoon, CCHQ said applications for the candidacy will close on May 24, followed by a sifting and shortlisting process that will select three candidates to be put forward to London Conservative Party members.
Hustings will take place from 12 June to 3 July, and members will then vote for their preferred candidate between 4-18 July.
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