# Cleverly Quits Shadow Cabinet to Run for London Mayor

- Topic: uk
- Source: [Video published by WION](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No2yFmqQl8I)
- Published: 2026-08-30
- Original: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No2yFmqQl8I
- Language: en

## At a glance

- James Cleverly resigns from the shadow cabinet to launch a 2028 London mayoral campaign.
- He cites falling city reputation and high housing costs as key issues needing government change.
- Cleverly, a former foreign, home and education secretary, will now campaign from the backbenches.
- The move signals a shift from national to local politics, with the mayoral race starting in 2028.

## Sources

- [WION](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No2yFmqQl8I)

## The story

Former foreign secretary James Cleverly has stepped down from the UK shadow cabinet to focus on a bid to become London’s mayor in the 2028 election. He said the capital’s reputation has slipped and that high housing and business costs must be cut, arguing the government treats London as a money source rather than a growth engine. Cleverly, who has served as MP since 2015 and previously held roles as foreign, home and education secretary, will now campaign from the backbenches. The former London Assembly member said he grew up in the city and wants to build a more affordable, aspirational, and business‑friendly London. The mayoral race will begin in 2028, and Cleverly’s departure signals a shift in his political priorities toward local governance.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. [Read the original source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=No2yFmqQl8I)