Tory Minister and Senior MPs Lobby for Reform UK Candidate in London Mayoral Race

A cabinet minister and senior Tories have reportedly pushed for Reform UK‘s Howard Cox to be the candidate for London Mayor instead of Susan Hall, as tensions rise within the Conservative party over the selection process. The Prime Minister’s inner circle, including senior MPs, lobbied for Cox citing his experience in campaigning for motorists through Fair Fuel UK.

Sources indicate that despite commitments to Reform UK, Cox has been encouraged by several Tory MPs, even ministers, to reconsider his decision and run under the Conservative banner due to his expertise in addressing issues like the ultra-low-emission zone (Ulez) in London. However, Cox has reiterated his commitment to Reform UK and his principles.

The controversy surrounding the selection of Susan Hall has deepened with her former deputy, Barry Macleod-Cullinane, publicly endorsing Labour‘s Sadiq Khan in the upcoming election. An ongoing poll suggests Khan is leading the race with a significant margin, while Susan Hall trails behind in second place.

As the election approaches, Hall’s stance on policies such as free school meals has come under scrutiny. While she has pledged to maintain universal free school meals until the end of the upcoming academic year, there are concerns raised by her critics over the longevity and commitment to such initiatives compared to her competitor, Sadiq Khan.

The dynamics of the London mayoral race have highlighted internal tensions within the Conservative party, with allegiances and differences in policy approaches contributing to the public discourse leading up to the election day.