Conservative MP James Cleverly resigned from the shadow cabinet on August 29, 2026, to run for the Conservative Party nomination in the 2028 London mayoral election. According to reports from Sky News, the Braintree MP left his role as shadow minister for housing, communities, and local government with immediate effect to challenge incumbent Labour Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.
Resignation from the Shadow Cabinet
Mr. Cleverly stated that he informed Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch of his decision on Thursday, August 27, 2026, according to the Sunday Times. Ms. Badenoch accepted the resignation ahead of a planned party reshuffle in September 2026. While party rules prevent her from officially endorsing a candidate before the local nomination process concludes, reports indicate she supports his entry into the contest.
Mr. Cleverly explained his early declaration in a post on X, writing that London “needs a champion” rather than just an administrator.
The 2028 Mayoral Race Landscape
Sir Sadiq Khan is currently halfway through his third term as Mayor of London, though he has not yet confirmed whether he will run for an unprecedented fourth term in May 2028. The 2024 mayoral race saw Conservative candidate Susan Hall secure second place, losing to Mr. Khan by approximately 200,000 votes, according to sources.
Meanwhile, Reform UK has already confirmed Laila Cunningham, a Westminster City Councillor who defected from the Conservative Party in June 2025, as their candidate for the 2028 election.
Political Background and Party Reactions
Before entering Parliament in 2015, Mr. Cleverly spent eight years on the London Assembly, where his roles included leader of the Conservative group, Mayor’s Youth Ambassador, and Deputy Mayor under then-Mayor Boris Johnson. His national political career includes serving as both Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary under multiple prime ministers.
Fellow Conservative MPs quickly rallied behind the announcement. Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden described the move on social media as “excellent news for Londoners,” calling Mr. Cleverly a “real heavyweight in the race.” MP for Huntingdon Ben Obese-Jecty similarly endorsed the Essex MP on X, stating that London requires new leadership and that Mr. Cleverly possesses the necessary experience for the position.