Ex-adviser to Boris Johnson wins Conservative nomination for mayor of London

Grant Shapps, Steve Baker and Priti Patel support Samuel Kasumu. Photo: David Rose

Former No Boris Johnson Adviser 10 Samuel Kasumu became the Tory leader in his fight against Sadiq Khan of the Labor Party in the London mayoral election next year after winning the support of two senior government ministers, reports the Telegraph.

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Mr. Kasumu was supported by Grant Shapps, Secretary of Energy Security and Net Zero; Steve Baker, senior minister of the Northern Ireland office, and Priti Patel, former home secretary.

Loud acclaim means that Mr. Kasumu is now a safe bet for the Conservative presidential nominee. elections in May next year.

The Conservatives have not yet been able to find a clear candidate to fight Khan. Senior party officials were to discuss how to choose a candidate on Monday evening. One senior conservative told the Telegraph: «We're running around trying to find someone.»

Ian Dale, host of LBC, turned down the opportunity six months ago. Other names in the frame include broadcaster Rob Rinder and former Conservative cabinet minister Justin Greening.

The absence of any declared opponents means that loud support will help Mr. Kasum. Mr Shapps, who worked with Mr Kasumu in his Welwyn Hatfield district, said: “It was always clear that London was at his heart. The capital is both the place where he was born and the place where he grew up. I wish him all the best and look forward to supporting him in the next phase. "

'Committed to bringing communities together'

Ms. Patel, who worked with Mr. Kasumu on and deeply committed to improving the lives of Londoners and connecting communities across our great city.”

"For the upcoming London mayoral election, the Conservative Party must choose a candidate who can cover all areas of the capital, and Samuel's track record in this regard is clear"

Mr Baker added: «Samuel understands the importance to be a strong bridge that brings communities together and to stand your ground when it is necessary for the common good.”

“A successful Conservative Mayor of London must have a credible story to instill hope for a better future in those who need it most. Our candidate must have a strong commitment to improving the lives of others through genuinely conservative means.»

Mr Kasumu, 35, worked at 10 Downing Street as Mr Johnson's Special Adviser on Civil Society and Communities. leaving in 2021. He was Mr. Johnson's «supervisor». in partnership with Britain's black and ethnic minorities.

He said: «Very soon the London Conservatives will have the opportunity to choose the candidate they think is best suited to bring about one of the greatest upheavals in modern political history . I believe that person is me and I look forward to discussing this in the coming weeks and months"

Mr Kasumu grew up in Barnet, north London and joined the Conservatives when he was 19. Earlier this month, he said he would give areas affected by the expansion of low-emission schemes a say on whether to remain in the zone. Mr. Khan is going to expand the Ulez zone to cover all 32 districts in August.