In a strategic move, independent candidate Rayhan Haque bows out of the London mayoral race, while former Conservative deputy chairman Lee Anderson denies financial motives behind his switch to Reform UK, stirring the political scene.
Rayhan Haque, an independent candidate known for advocating car-free Sundays in central London, has withdrawn his candidacy from the London mayoral race. Citing difficulties in gaining significant support and concerns over potentially splitting the progressive vote, Haque stepped aside without endorsing the current mayor, Labour’s Sadiq Khan, who is seeking a third term. Haque’s platform also included proposals for London to become “AI-ready” and implementing a four-day work week by 2030. His withdrawal is seen as strategic, aiming to consolidate support within the progressive vote base, amidst a challenging environment for candidates outside the five main political parties.
In a separate development, former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, Lee Anderson, has denied allegations of financial incentives behind his defection to Reform UK, making him the first MP for the right-wing party. Anderson, who was stripped of the Conservative whip due to controversial comments about Mayor Sadiq Khan, has also refused to apologise for his remarks. Anderson’s switch, defended as not financially motivated in an interview with GB News, has raised concerns within the Conservative Party about the potential implications for their performance in the upcoming general election. Critics within his former party fear his departure could bolster Labour by splitting the Conservative vote. Despite backlash for his controversial statements and the strategic challenges his move presents, Anderson aligns himself with Reform UK without financial gain, as confirmed by party leader Richard Tice.
