Cleverly quits shadow cabinet to run for London mayor

Sir James Cleverly has announced his resignation from the Conservative shadow cabinet to launch a bid for the party's candidacy in the 2028 London mayoral election. The former foreign secretary and current shadow housing secretary revealed his decision in an op-ed published on August 29, 2026, stating he had informed Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch of his immediate departure from the front bench. Cleverly, who also previously served as home secretary, argued that London requires a "champion" rather than an administrator, accusing current Labour Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan of allowing the capital's reputation to slip.