Dan Korsky. Photo: Julian Simmonds. Korski dropped out following allegations of sexual assault.
The Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) said on Wednesday evening that the selection process for its candidate would continue with only two candidates on the London ballot next week.< /p>
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Mr. Korsky pulled out of Wednesday's selection process after Daisy Goodwin, the television producer who accused him of sexual assault, said three more women could file charges against him .
He denies the allegations but said it was “with a heavy heart” that he could not continue to fight for a candidate who would try to defeat Sadiq Khan in next year's mayoral election. open the nominations and postpone the process until the October Conservative Party conference amid claims that it would be “bad faith” for party members to be given a choice between only two candidates.
According to the party process, members must now choose between London Assembly member Susan Hall and lawyer Mozammel Hossain, who has never held an elected office.
“Thorough and fair”
Samuel Kasumu, who announced his intention to run but was not selected among the last three candidates by the CCHQ panel, said the process should be “thorough and fair” following Mr. Korsky's decision to step down.
“The selection process should be restarted with more direct member participation,” he said, adding “there is still time to get things right.”
Paul Scully, who until recently served as London minister in the Rishi Government Sunaka was among the candidates who did not make the final three.
Az Chowdhury, who ran his campaign, told The Telegraph: “It's shameless that the choice for members is reduced to two.” /p>
“The only option for the party now is to re-select from the very beginning. It's unfair that candidates who weren't nominated for the final three are still excluded.”
Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, declined to answer a question about whether the process should be restarted but told LBC: “I think Paul Scully is a great minister and he obviously understands London very well.
“If a decision is made to re-admit him, I think it would be an interesting move.”
A second senior MP said: “I think they should restart the process. They should at least reopen their nominations for that third seat and make an informed decision about who should be on the shortlist.”
Justine Greening
The Telegraph understands that some Conservative MPs believe that the situation can be resolved. by nominating Justine Greening, former Conservative Education Minister, without internal competition.
Ms Greening has been linked to the mayoral race before, but this option is unlikely to appeal to Conservative members in London.
Mr. Korski's decision to step down came after all three candidates attended a meeting at the Tory campaign headquarters on Wednesday. .
According to sources familiar with the mayoral contest, the meeting was scheduled but, unsurprisingly, was dominated by discussions of Mr. Korsky's predicament.
During the meeting with the chairman To the Conservative Party by Greg Hands Three candidates were reported to have been warned of “blue on blue” attacks.
Daisy Goodwin, who filed a formal complaint against Daniel Korsky. Credit: David Buchan/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
First The Downing Street councilor's campaign proved doomed after Ms Goodwin, 61, alleged on Monday night that he had groped her breasts during a meeting at Downing Street. street ten years ago.
She said she spoke out now because she didn't like the idea that someone who treats women this way could be held responsible for making the capital safer for women.
Official Complaint
On Tuesday, she repeated. filed a formal complaint with the Cabinet, and on the same day, Mr. Korski dodged a question in a television interview whether he had ever cheated on his wife.
Then on Wednesday, Ms. Goodwin said that with her were contacted by three other women who had “interesting” stories about Mr. Korsky.
Mr. Korsky has always denied any allegations of inappropriate behavior.
In his statement, he said: “I categorically deny the allegations against me. Ten years ago, I was not officially given anything. Not seven years ago when this accusation was mentioned.
“There was no investigation. I made it clear that I would welcome and participate constructively in any investigation.
“However, the pressure on my family due to this false and unsubstantiated accusation and the inability to get a hearing on my message “The London Dream' makes it impossible to continue my campaign.”
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