Cleverly launches 'classically Conservative' London mayoral bid, eyes Badenoch boost

James Cleverly has announced his candidacy for London mayor, framing it as a 'classically Conservative' campaign and a potential springboard for Kemi Badenoch's premiership. He denied resigning from the shadow cabinet due to a rightward shift under Badenoch, but avoided culture war topics in interviews, signaling a moderate pitch. The race is a key test of Conservative electoral viability in a Labour-dominated capital.