Shaun Bailey will not be replaced as Tory London mayor candidate despite flagging in polls, says minister
Claims of plot to replace candidate dismissed as 'rubbish' by senior Tory
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A senior Tory has dismissed reports of a plot to replace the Conservative candidate in the delayed London mayoral election.
Shaun Bailey, a former youth worker who was selected as the challenger to Sadiq Khan two years ago, was said to have lost support of some Tory donors, who would like to see him supplanted by another candidate.
Sources told the FT that some senior figures wanted an alternative figure, such as ex-chancellor Sajid Javid, to take his place in the contest, which has been delayed until May 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
One donor said: “There is no way Shaun can beat Sadiq. He’s a nice guy but he’s barely broken 20 per cent in the polls.
"The year delay means we have the opportunity to reset the race.”
However business minister Nadhim Zahawi dismissed the claims of a plot to oust Mr Bailey, who he described as a "phenomenal candidate".
"Rubbish story," Mr Zahawi told LBC. "Sajid Javid is staying in parliament. Sajid has a great contribution to make to parliament.
"Shaun Bailey is our candidate. He's a phenomenal candidate, phenomenal campaigner and someone who really understands that black lives really do matter.
"Actually he is focussing on what is material, which is the quality of opportunity for all Londoners. That is what Shaun stands for."
Mr Bailey, one of the party's leading black figures, was championed by the-then prime minister David Cameron.
A YouGov poll in March, before the election was postponed, gave Mr Khan a clear lead on 49 per cent, with Mr Bailey trailing behind with 24 per cent of the vote.
Former Tory cabinet minister Rory Stewart, who was standing as an independent, won 13 per cent of the vote. He has since withdrawn from the race.
A Conservative spokesperson said: “The party, including its chairmen, have clearly stated full support for Shaun.
"Shaun Bailey has led from the front in challenging Sadiq Khan's abysmal record on tackling violent crime, building affordable homes and failure to deliver Crossrail.
"He is the only candidate that can defeat Sadiq Khan next year and fix the current mayor's litany of failures for Londoners.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments