Sir James Cleverly has resigned from his position as Shadow Housing Secretary to pursue the Conservative candidacy for London Mayor in the 2028 elections.
The Conservative MP for Braintree, who held the shadow housing role since July 2025, announced his intention to run for the mayoral position over the weekend. The party has not yet selected its official candidate, and it remains unclear whether Sir James will stand down from his parliamentary seat.
In a statement on social media, Sir James said: “London needs more than an administrator. It needs a champion, someone who understands its potential and is prepared to fight for its future. I know this city. I know the job. And I know I can do it.”
Housing policy proposals
During his tenure as Shadow Housing Secretary, Sir James advocated for the abolition of Stamp Duty, a policy he did not propose during the 14 years of Conservative government prior to 2024. Writing in The Sunday Times, he outlined his approach to London’s property market: “Londoners need homes they can afford to buy or rent. Entrepreneurs need to be able to start and grow businesses without being strangled by cost and regulation.”
He added: “We cannot tax and subsidise our way to prosperity. We must reduce the cost of building homes and running businesses and remove the barriers holding people back.”
The housing affordability challenge in London has been a persistent issue, with factors such as school catchment areas adding significant premiums to property prices across the capital. The issue of housing development and conversions has also faced ongoing challenges in recent years.
Electoral context
Sir James has launched a campaign website highlighting his experience in London governance, including roles running the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, the London Waste & Recycling Board, and serving on the Metropolitan Police Authority. He also references his background of growing up and starting a business in the capital.
The current London Mayor, Labour’s Sadiq Khan, has not confirmed whether he will seek re-election in 2028. Khan first took office in 2016 and won his most recent term in May 2024, defeating Conservative candidate Susan Hall by more than 275,000 votes.
The resignation creates a vacancy in the Shadow Housing Secretary position at a time when housing policy remains a central issue in UK politics. Sir James’s departure marks a shift in the Conservative Party’s housing policy leadership as the next mayoral election cycle begins.
