James Cleverly resigns from shadow cabinet to run for mayor of London

Shadow minister for housing, communities and local government to resign with immediate effect

James Cleverly has resigned from the shadow cabinet to run for mayor of London.

The Tory heavyweight, who was once home and foreign secretary and is shadow minister for housing, communities and local government, told the Sunday Times he will resign with immediate effect.

Cleverly’s resignation comes ahead of the Conservative party conference in October where he is expected to make his case to party members.

Sadiq Khan is halfway through his third term as mayor. He has not stated whether he will run for a fourth term in the contest to be held in May 2028.