Conservative MP James Cleverly quits to run for London mayor

The MP has told Kemi Badenoch he is leaving the shadow cabinet

Sir James Cleverly is quitting the shadow cabinet to stand for London mayor. The former foreign secretary and Braintree MP said the capital needed “a champion, someone who understands its potential and is prepared to fight for its future”.

In an op-ed for the Sunday Times, Sir James wrote: “I have told Kemi Badenoch that I will leave the shadow cabinet. Serving there has been a privilege, and I know there will continue to be strong voices around that table.

“But to run the most effective campaign possible, I must be free to speak about every aspect of London’s future and concentrate fully on winning this race.”

This article will be updated.