Cleverly steps down as shadow cabinet member to contest London mayoralty

Key Points

• Sir James Cleverly has stepped down from the Conservative shadow cabinet with immediate effect to run for Mayor of London in 2028.
• The former Home Secretary and current Braintree MP plans to take on Labour’s Sir Sadiq Khan, who is in his 3rd term as London Mayor.
• Cleverly has been widely reported to be the early frontrunner to be the Conservative candidate for City Hall.
• Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is looking for the right mayoral candidate – and Cleverly is making the case that he fits the bill.
• Recent polling has shown Reform UK’s Laila Cunningham could beat the Conservatives in first-round voting, and face Labour in a run-off.
• Cleverly has been shadow housing secretary and shadow local government minister and recently given comments on council tax and social housing.
• He has served as a member of the London Assembly, and was co-founder of a business, in addition to 20 years’ service in the Territorial Army.
• The news is coming as London boroughs such as the Tories’ Islington and Camden are continuing to dispute funding with the Labour government and council tax increases.

London (Britain Today News) August 29, 2026 — James Cleverly, the Conservative former Home Secretary and MP for Braintree, has resigned from the shadow cabinet to launch a campaign for Mayor of London, setting up a high-stakes contest against Labour’s Sir Sadiq Khan in 2028. The decision, confirmed on 29 August 2026, marks a pivotal moment in Conservative strategy for the capital and intensifies speculation over who will lead the party’s challenge at City Hall.

Who Is James Cleverly and Why Is He Running for Mayor?

Sir James Cleverly, 58, is a prominent figure in modern Conservative politics, having served as Home Secretary under Rishi Sunak and held multiple senior roles including Education Secretary and Party Chairman. Cleverly aims to challenge Sir Sadiq Khan, who is in his third term running the capital and is widely expected to seek a fourth. His candidacy is framed as a direct response to Labour’s governance of London, with Cleverly positioning himself as a candidate with both business acumen and public service credentials.

What Does Cleverly’s Resignation Mean for the Shadow Cabinet?

Cleverly’s departure creates an immediate vacancy in the shadow cabinet, where he most recently served as shadow housing secretary. His resignation was effective immediately, signalling a clean break from frontline opposition duties to focus on the mayoral race. The move also underscores the Conservative Party’s prioritisation of the London mayoral contest, with leader Kemi Badenoch reportedly conducting a wide-ranging search for the strongest possible candidate.

How Does Cleverly Fit Badenoch’s Candidate Criteria?

Kemi Badenoch has outlined three key qualities she seeks in a mayoral candidate: expertise in business, a strong record on public order, and genuine life experience. Cleverly’s profile aligns closely with these requirements. As noted by GB News, he co-founded his own company, served two decades in the Territorial Army, and previously sat on the London Assembly, giving him direct experience of capital-wide governance. This combination of private-sector, military, and political experience has made him the early frontrunner among potential Conservative contenders.

What Are the Latest Polls Saying About the 2028 Mayoral Race?

Recent polling has introduced a new dynamic into the race. As reported by the Evening Standard, a shock survey suggests Reform UK’s Laila Cunningham could leapfrog the Conservatives in first-preference votes, potentially facing Labour in a run-off under London’s supplementary vote system. Nigel Farage announced earlier this year that Cunningham, a former Tory Westminster councillor, would be Reform’s candidate. While Cleverly remains the favourite to carry the Conservative banner, the rise of Reform complicates the opposition landscape and could split the anti-Labour vote.

What Has Cleverly Said About Housing and Council Tax Recently?

In his most recent shadow role, Cleverly was vocal on housing and local government finance. As quoted by the Independent, he criticised Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s £10 billion social housing package as “a sleight of hand”, arguing that homes would not need to be delivered until 2039 and that funding was backloaded beyond the current Parliament. He told reporters:

“The small print shows homes won’t have to be delivered until 2039. And the funding has been backloaded to fall outside the Spending Review and this Parliament, meaning Andy Burnham will never have to pay for it.”

On council tax, Cleverly backed three Conservative London boroughs challenging the government, stating that “true devolution” could not mean imposing high taxes “from on high”.

How Has Cleverly Positioned Himself Against Sadiq Khan?

Cleverly’s emerging campaign narrative centres on contrasting his record with Khan’s. Commentary in the Evening Standard by Nicholas Cecil noted that a contest between Khan and Cleverly could be close, though Labour would remain the frontrunner. Cleverly has previously attacked Khan’s deputies as ineffective and argued that the Mayor’s focus should shift to Westminster advocacy rather than a fourth term. His business background and military service are being presented as evidence of a different leadership style to Khan’s, with an emphasis on public order and economic pragmatism.

What Role Did Cleverly Play in Recent Conservative Borough Disputes?

Cleverly has been directly involved in recent tensions between Conservative-led London boroughs and the Labour government. Leaders from Wandsworth, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster met with Cleverly and Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake to discuss challenging government funding settlements. These boroughs face significant council tax rises and have accused the government of “devolving blame” rather than providing adequate resources. Cleverly’s support for their position reinforces his credentials as a defender of local autonomy and fiscal responsibility.

What Challenges Does Cleverly Face in Securing the Conservative Nomination?

While Cleverly is the early favourite, the Conservative selection process is not yet concluded. As highlighted by GB News, Badenoch is seeking a candidate who can unite the party and appeal to a broad London electorate. Potential rivals may emerge, and internal party dynamics could influence the final decision. Additionally, the threat from Reform UK adds pressure to select a candidate capable of consolidating the right-of-centre vote. Cleverly’s previous roles in government and his visibility in media will be assets, but he must also navigate any past controversies and ensure strong grassroots support across London’s diverse boroughs.
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How Might the Mayoral Race Shape National Politics?

The London mayoral contest is increasingly seen as a bellwether for national political trends. A strong performance by Cleverly could bolster Conservative morale ahead of the next general election, while a defeat could intensify internal debates about strategy and leadership. Conversely, if Reform UK’s Cunningham reaches the run-off, it could signal a realignment of opposition politics in the capital, with implications for parliamentary constituencies across London. For Labour, defending City Hall against a high-profile challenger like Cleverly is crucial to maintaining momentum after recent by-election setbacks.

What Next for Cleverly’s Campaign?

With his resignation confirmed, Cleverly is expected to begin building a campaign team, engaging with London-wide stakeholders, and outlining policy priorities on housing, transport, and public safety. His immediate focus will be securing the Conservative nomination, followed by a sustained effort to win over voters across all 32 boroughs and the City of London. As the race develops, his ability to articulate a clear alternative to Khan’s administration will be central to his prospects.