London’s future is in the hands of a handful of Conservatives, let’s hope they choose wisely

Conservative Party members in London are choosing between James Cleverly, Festus Akinbusoye and Sara Gezdari to be their candidate for mayor. The article argues that the choice matters because London needs serious opposition to Labour mayor Sadiq Khan at the next election.

The candidates offer different pitches: Gezdari highlights her experience as an immigrant and backs financial services; Akinbusoye emphasises tackling crime and restoring 40,000 police officers; Cleverly points to his ministerial and campaign experience and promises to challenge government policies affecting London. The article criticises Khan’s record on housebuilding, jobs and Tube strikes, and urges Conservatives to choose a candidate capable of challenging him.