Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch intends to utilize the party's recent election successes in London as a "bridgehead" to challenge Labour's Sadiq Khan for the London mayoralty. She aims to follow the precedent set by Boris Johnson, whose 2008 success helped trigger a wider revival for the Conservative Party.

The Conservatives recently regained control of Westminster, a borough they had lost to Labour in 2022. They also took control of Wandsworth and successfully defended their positions in Bexley and Bromley against challenges from Reform UK.

Building a Strategic Foothold

A senior Conservative official noted that while Reform UK invested heavily in London, targeting boroughs like Bexley and Bromley, the Conservatives managed to increase their vote share. This success has, according to the party, established a vital bridgehead.

Regarding the upcoming 2028 contest, potential candidates include former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Olympic athlete Seb Coe. However, a source indicated that Badenoch does not want a "coronation" and is eager to hear from various potential candidates.

Candidate Profiles and Selection

Badenoch is reportedly seeking a candidate who, like herself, has not spent a lifetime in politics. The party is ideally looking for someone with business experience who can connect with the general public and outperform previous Tory mayoral candidates such as Susan Hall, Shaun Bailey, and Zac Goldsmith.

A Changing Political Landscape

Incumbent Mayor Sadiq Khan has hinted at seeking a fourth term, insisting he still has "a lot of fuel in the tank." His tenure has faced various controversies, including the implementation of 20mph speeding zones throughout the capital.

The political map is shifting as the Green Party makes significant gains in traditional Labour heartlands. Zoe Garbett was elected mayor of Hackney, and the Greens also secured mayoralties in Lewisham and Waltham Forest.

A Tory source suggested that Labour has been routed from all but its safest boroughs and is now in a direct struggle with the Greens to remain competitive. While the Lib Dems have become dominant in parts of south-west London, the Conservatives claim to be the only party with broad appeal across the entire capital.

Reform UK and Other Competitors

Nigel Farage has admitted that London poses a "problem" for his ambitions to become Prime Minister. Despite Reform UK's efforts to target specific boroughs, they were largely restricted to taking Havering from local independents.

Based on these results, Laila Cunningham is expected to vie with Count Binface for sixth place in the next contest.