Two More Candidates Launch Bids To Be London Mayor

James Drury
By James Drury Last edited 106 months ago
Two More Candidates Launch Bids To Be London Mayor

Diane Abbott and Sadiq Khan

As widely predicted, Tooting MP Sadiq Khan and Hackney MP Diane Abbot have both announced they want to run as Labour's candidate for London Mayor.

Khan will likely be enjoying some of the success of leading the party's London successful election campaign, and he's one of the favourites to be picked, according to bookies and polls.

He said: "After eight years of a failing Tory Mayor and with a majority Tory Government unleashed in Westminster, only a Labour mayor can stand up for our city.

"Life is getting harder for Londoners. From those suffering from a desperate housing crisis or trapped in poverty, to those doing well but whose quality of life is undermined by overcrowded tubes, poor air quality and lack of local school places. We need bold solutions to these problems.

"Our city needs a Mayor that will fight for all Londoners and I will be that Mayor. I'm looking forward to working with Londoners from all backgrounds, ethnicities and walks of life to build a better future for the city we love."

Abbott, who challenged Ed Miliband for the party leadership in 2010, says she wants to be an "independently-minded" Mayor. The former Health Minister says she will consider introducing rent controls, and will "kick-start" building on brownfield sites rather than encroaching on greenfield areas.

On her campaign website, Abbott says: "London needs a mayor who can stand up to vested interests and prevent this city from separating into islands of wealth and opportunity for some and islands of deprivation and despair for others. Professionals earning a good wage in London aren’t immune — the prohibitive cost of London is in the front of their mind for young graduates in their first jobs."

A Yougov poll for the Evening Standard in March placed Tessa Jowell as the favourite as Labour's candidates (she's expected to officially declare next week), with Khan in second place and Abbott third. The party's official candidate will be announced in July.

Tottenham MP David Lammy declared his intention to be the party's candidate last year. Transport expert Christian Wolmar has also officially thrown his hat into the ring.

Paddy Power has Tessa Jowell at 5/2; Khan at 3/1; Lammy at 8/1 and Abbott on 14/1.

Last Updated 13 May 2015