Lord Bailey: Tories must reach all Londoners to beat Khan
Former mayoral candidate says party needs to avoid 'no-go zones' and understand diverse communities.
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Lord Shaun Bailey has urged the Conservative Party to adopt a strategy that engages with all of London's diverse communities if it is to unseat Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan in the 2028 mayoral election. Speaking on MyLondon's The London Brief podcast, the former mayoral candidate stated that the party must avoid writing off any parts of the capital.
Engaging with all of London
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Lord Bailey, a current London Assembly Member, suggested that the Conservatives have historically concentrated their efforts on wealthier inner boroughs and specific outer London areas. He highlighted that his own 2021 campaign saw him win more votes than Sir Sadiq Khan in several outer London boroughs, including Brent and Harrow, as well as Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Sutton, Ealing, Hillingdon, Havering, Redbridge, and the South West and West Central regions. However, he acknowledged that Sir Sadiq Khan secured outright victories in other areas. Lord Bailey emphasised the need for a candidate who can represent the entirety of London, stating, "You have to go everywhere. No place should be a no-go area for a Tory."
Understanding London's communities
The former candidate also stressed the importance of a mayoral contender understanding the nuanced ways Londoners experience multiculturalism. He stated that candidates must engage in conversations with various communities, sometimes by listening rather than leading, to avoid inflaming issues. While born and raised in London, Lord Bailey suggested that understanding the city's dynamics is key, referencing former Mayor Boris Johnson, who was not from London but learned to understand its complexities.
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Policy differences
Lord Bailey outlined policy changes he would have implemented had he won the 2021 election. He identified housing as a key area where he believed Sir Sadiq Khan had failed. Lord Bailey proposed lowering affordable housing targets for new developments to improve financial viability for housebuilders and establishing a City Hall-owned property developer named Housing for London (HfL). He stated, "I would have assaulted that with every tool that City Hall has, and a few tools that the Government has as well."
Candidate selection
The Conservative Party has not yet announced a timetable for selecting its candidate for the 2028 mayoral election. A party spokesperson indicated that this process will occur "in due course." Several individuals, including former Cabinet Minister Sir James Cleverly, former MPs, and serving councillors, are reportedly considering a run for the candidacy.
Questions this report answers
+What advice has Lord Bailey given the Conservative Party for the next mayoral election?
Lord Bailey has advised the Conservative Party to select a mayoral contender who can speak to and engage with all of London's diverse communities. He stressed the importance of avoiding any areas being considered 'no-go zones' and actively participating in conversations with different groups across the capital.
+In which London boroughs did Lord Bailey perform better than Sir Sadiq Khan in 2021?
Lord Bailey secured more votes than Sir Sadiq Khan in several outer London boroughs, including Brent and Harrow. Other areas where he outperformed the current Mayor were Bexley, Bromley, Croydon, Sutton, Ealing, Hillingdon, Havering, Redbridge, and the South West and West Central regions.
+What policy changes did Lord Bailey propose for housing?
Lord Bailey stated that if elected in 2021, he would have lowered affordable housing targets for new developments to make housebuilding more financially viable. He also planned to establish a City Hall-owned property developer called Housing for London (HfL) to address housing issues.
+When will the Conservatives select their candidate for the 2028 mayoral election?
The Conservative Party has not yet announced a specific timetable for selecting its candidate for the 2028 mayoral election. A party spokesperson indicated that the selection process will take place 'in due course'.
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