London mayor race: Sir James Cleverly considers running, saying: 'I'd be stupid not to think about it'

"The mayor of big cities like London is an incredibly important job. We've already discussed the huge difference that Andy Street made to Birmingham and the West Midlands. Look, I love being the [MP] for Braintree. I know I've had so many people say you cut your teeth in London politics. It's a really, really important job. My heart is in Essex, but I also know it is, you know, watching London go wrong angers me enormously, but as I say, I'm not"

"The ideal candidate is someone who is a beacon of hope and light in our city. She said Sir Sadiq was failing to bring the city together and added: We need someone who understands the economy and has had a proper job and who can show private sector experience. We need someone who is business-friendly who can tackle issues like knife crime and show our city at its best. I'm looking for people to come forward we are the Conserv"

Sir James Cleverly has indicated he would be "stupid not to think about" running for London mayor, raising speculation about a 2028 challenge to Sir Sadiq Khan. Cleverly is a former Tory foreign secretary, ex-London Assembly member for Bexley and Bromley, and currently the MP for Braintree and shadow housing secretary. He emphasized the mayoralty's importance and said his heart is in Essex, while expressing frustration at London being run poorly. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch described the ideal candidate as business-friendly, with private sector experience, able to tackle knife crime and unite the city.

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