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DEBATE: Does the former Tory leadership hopeful Rory Stewart have a shot at becoming London mayor?

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Rory Stewart
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 04: Rory Stewart arrives at Millbank studios on October 4, 2019 in London, England. Rory Stewart has announced that he has resigned from the Conservative Party to run as an independent candidate in London's mayoral election, due to take place on May 7, 2020. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)

Does the former Tory leadership hopeful Rory Stewart have a shot at becoming London mayor?

Ben Kelly, a commentator for Reaction, says YES.

Rory walks on – on to London. But does he stand a chance? Of course he does.

The popularity of Sadiq Khan is waning, and the Conservatives’ candidate, Shaun Bailey, is woeful.

The British electoral system is tough on independents, but mayoralty is one route where they can make it. The odds are no doubt against it, but Rory Stewart has proven to be an engaging campaigner, and his eloquent yet quirky videos of talking to random voters will gain him significant media attention.

This is going to be the key to pulling off a potential electoral upset. Khan has plenty of weak spots, with a growing perception that he hasn’t done enough to address everyday London issues like crime, housing, and transport. Rory should attack him on those fronts, and emphasise that he’s a man who knows how to get things done.

It’s a long shot, because Khan has the Labour party brand behind him and embodies London’s liberal values. But the race will definitely be less comfortable for the current mayor now.

Lucy Harris, a Brexit Party MEP and former director of Leavers of London, says NO.

Finally, Rory Stewart has owned up to where his true allegiance lies, and rather than being the Lake District countryside he’s so fond of walking around, he’s jumped ship for the glitz and glamour of the big city.

His brand is awkwardly positioned between the Conservatives’ street-savvy Londoner Shaun Bailey and Selfie Sadiq – one of the few politicians almost as media-hungry as Rory is. His candidacy is a risk for the Labour mayor, who could see the Remain vote split three or even four ways between himself, Rory, the Liberal Democrats, and the Greens.

But ultimately, countryside cowboy Rory will struggle to be a match for Sadiq Khan’s army of taxpayer-funded PR pros or Labour London’s activist network. He should also remember that 40 per cent of Londoners voted Leave, despite the marginalisation they face from the current mayor, who only ever speaks out for Remain voters.

Rory’s own brand of Remainism may not be as popular in London as he thinks. It looks like he’ll just be walking on to yet another defeat.

Main image credit: Getty