Rory Stewart withdraws from race to become mayor of London

Former cabinet minister blames election postponement to 2021 that was forced by coronavirus outbreak

Former cabinet minister Rory Stewart has announced he is withdrawing from the race to become mayor of London, blaming the year’s delay forced by the coronavirus outbreak.

Mr Stewart had declared that he would stand as an independent against Labour’s Sadiq Khan after being stripped of the Tory whip and standing down as an MP in 2019.

But the contest, initially due to take place on 7 May this year, was put back 12 months to 2021 because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Stewart said: “It is with sadness that I have decided not to run in the postponed London mayoral election next year.

“I firmly believe London is the greatest city on earth – and its courageous response to Covid-19 proves that more than ever.

“It would have been the honour of my life to serve the city as mayor, but while the considerable challenges of running as an independent were manageable for a normal race, they are forbidding for an extended and delayed election.

“I want to thank my incredible team for all their efforts over the last year – I am so proud of you, of what we built from scratch, and of the values we championed. But even more than that I want to thank the tens of thousands of Londoners who engaged with my campaign, all the people I met on my walks – especially those who went on to invite me to stay – and everyone who shared my positive vision of all that London can achieve in the coming years.”

Mr Stewart was international development secretary under Theresa May and fought a well-regarded campaign to succeed her in July last year.

He made clear he would not serve under eventual victor Boris Johnson, and was stripped of the Tory whip in September after rebelling against a no-deal Brexit.

His surprise mayoral campaign was notable for his “walks” in various parts of the capital, which he announced at short notice on social media, inviting the public to come and talk with him.

And he gained publicity by offering to come and stay the night with Londoners who wanted to welcome him into their homes.

Bookmakers placed him ahead of Conservative candidate Shaun Bailey, but he trailed well behind Mr Khan, who is seeking re-election next May after five years at City Hall.