Ex-Boris Johnson adviser becomes Tory frontrunner for London mayor

Boris Johnson’s former No 10 adviser Samuel Kasumu has emerged as the Tory frontrunner[1] to fight Labour’s Sadiq Khan at next year’s London Mayoral election after receiving the backing of two senior government ministers, the Telegraph can disclose. Mr Kasumu has received the backing of Grant Shapps, the Energy Security and Net Zero secretary; Steve Baker, a senior Northern Ireland Office minister, and Priti Patel, the former home secretary. The high-profile endorsements mean that Mr Kasumu can now credibly be described as the frontrunner to be the Tory candidate for the election, in May next year.

The Conservatives have so far failed to find a clear candidate to fight Mr Khan. Senior figures in the party were due to discuss how to select the candidate on Monday evening. One senior Conservative told the Telegraph: “We are flailing around trying to find somebody.”

Iain Dale, the LBC presenter[2], turned down the opportunity six months ago. Other names in the frame include TV personality Rob Rinder and former Tory Cabinet minister Justine Greening. The lack of any declared rivals means that the high-profile support will help Mr Kasumu.

Mr Shapps – who has worked with Mr Kasumu in his Welwyn Hatfield constituency – said: “It has always been clear that London is in his heart. The capital is both where he was born and where he grew up. I wish him all the best and look forward to supporting him in his next phase.”

‘Committed to bringing communities together’

Ms Patel, who worked with Mr Kasumu on the Home Office’s response to the Windrush scandal[3], said: “Samuel is authentic, hardworking, and has a deep commitment to improving the lives of London’s citizens and bringing communities from across our great city together.

“For the forthcoming London mayoral elections, the Conservative Party needs to select a candidate that can reach all parts of the capital, and Samuel’s track record in being able to deliver is clear.” Mr Baker added: “Samuel recognises the importance of being a strong bridge uniting communities, and taking a stand when it is required for the greater good. “A successful Conservative Mayor of London must have an authentic story to inspire the hope of a better future for those who need it most.

Our candidate must have a thoroughgoing commitment to bettering the lot of others by genuinely Conservative means.” Mr Kasumu, 35, worked in 10 Downing Street as special adviser on civil society and communities to Mr Johnson, leaving in 2021. He was Mr Johnson’s “point man” in engaging with the UK’s black and minority ethnic population.

He said: “Very soon London Conservatives will have the opportunity to select the candidate they feel is best suited to pull off one of the greatest upsets in modern political history. I believe that person is me, and I look forward to making the case in the coming weeks and months.” Mr Kasumu grew up in Barnet, north London, and joined the Conservatives when he was 19.

Earlier this month he said he would grant boroughs affected by the expansion of low emission schemes[4] a vote on whether to remain in the zone.

Mr Khan is set to expand the Ulez zone to cover all 32 boroughs in August.

References

1. ^ Samuel Kasumu has emerged as the Tory frontrunner (www.telegraph.co.uk)
2. ^ Iain Dale, the LBC presenter (www.telegraph.co.uk)
3. ^ the Home Office’s response to the Windrush scandal (www.telegraph.co.uk)
4. ^ he said he would grant boroughs affected by the expansion of low emission schemes (www.telegraph.co.uk)