Conservative leader in London mayoral election not shortlisted

Paul Scully was considered a serious Conservative contender for Mayor of London, but did not make the shortlist. Credit: José Sarmento Matos/Bloomberg

The minister, who was one of the top contenders for the Conservative candidate for mayor of London, faced the final hurdle on Sunday by failing to make the shortlist.

Paul Scully, Secretary of State for Technology and the Digital Economy, did not make it into the top three despite being named the bookmaker's favorite after announcing his campaign last month.

Mr. Scully lost to Susan Hall, Member of the London Assembly; Daniel Korsky, former Downing Street assistant turned digital entrepreneur; and Mozammel Hossein K.S., a criminal defense lawyer.

“The Purge Continues”

The removal of Mr. Scully from the shortlist by party leaders at the Conservative Central Headquarters was taken as a surprise, given that he was appointed Minister London, Boris Johnson, February 2020

One Conservative MP said it was further evidence that MPs close to Mr. Johnson are being denied the opportunity to win top Conservative office.

One said, «The purge continues.»

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Samuel Kasumu, adviser to the former prime minister, was also considered a leader at the start of the competition.

Mr. Scully has held first positions under the last three Conservative prime ministers, including as minister London, from this role he temporarily abandoned to become mayor of London.

He backed Liz Truss in last summer's lead race, saying she had the «right plan» for the London business before remaining publicly neutral in October's contest.

The rest of the candidates are considered relatively inexperienced. Last week, Mr. Korsky unexpectedly received the support of Michael Gove, who appeared at a meeting of campaign sponsors.

The addition of Mr Korsky to the shortlist will be seen as further evidence of Mr Gove's growing influence in the Conservative high command nearly a year after he was thrown into the political wilderness by Mr Johnson and then Ms Truss. /p>

Mr Korsky also enjoys the support of Sir Ian Duncan Smith, a former Tory leader, and Ms Hall, who was one of Sadiq Khan's staunchest critics in City Hall, has the backing of senior London MPs including Bob Blackman.

Daniel Korsky is said to be supported by Michael Gove and Sir Ian Duncan Smith. Photo: Julian Simmonds for The Telegraph < p>Candidates must now try to impress local party members who will vote in the coming weeks, with the winner announced on July 19.

Mr Scully said in a statement in Sunday: “While I am disappointed with today's decision, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Scully team, the many volunteers, activists, councilors, MPs and MPs across London who supported my campaign. Your dedication and support is incredible.”