James Cleverly, a senior Conservative figure who has previously served as both Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary, has announced his resignation from the shadow cabinet. Currently serving as the shadow minister for housing, communities, and local government, Cleverly stated he is stepping down to focus on his campaign to become the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London.

Cleverly’s decision to announce his candidacy well in advance of the 2028 election cycle is seen as a strategic move to build momentum ahead of the upcoming Conservative party conference in October. In comments reported by The Independent, Cleverly framed his bid around the need for a "champion" for the capital who understands its potential.

While the election is not set to take place until May 2028, the political landscape remains in flux. Current Mayor Sadiq Khan is currently serving his third term, but he has not yet indicated whether he intends to seek a fourth term in office. The resignation marks a significant shift in Cleverly's political focus, moving from national shadow cabinet duties to a long-term campaign for regional leadership.