Month: Aug 2006

According to the Independent this morning LBC DJ Nick Ferrari has pulled out of the Conservative mayor race before he even put his application in. They have a good list of the runners and riders.

The Telegraph Spy column reports that Eric Ollerenshaw is running too.

The Evening Standard tonight is reporting that LBC radio DJ Nick Ferrari has been given the green light by Ofcom to take part in the race to be the Tory candidate for London mayor. They also report apparent unrest among Tory MPs about the process and the lack of high calibre candidates. The article looks more like speculation than fact.

The Standard is a bit all over the shop in its editorial. They fail to mention Richard Barnes who is the leading candidate so far. Doubly strange as they reported the endorsement of his candidacy by Lord Stevens only last night. They also fail to mention James Cleverly who, whilst not of the same stature as Barnes, at least was worth a mention. Perhaps the Standard is not the first place you should look for quality journalism. Better off going to conservativehome.com where they are covering the race in much more detail, and more accuratley to boot.

In tonight’s Evening Standard Richard Barnes’ candidacy for London mayor is confirmed.

Apparently Lord Stevens, former Met commissioner and widely touted possible candidate himself, has endorsed Barnes.

Conservative blogger and failed candidate for Lewisham mayor James Cleverly announced today that he is standing as a Conservative candidate for the London mayor. This brings to a total of four those standing. Two obscure Kensington councillors, a think tank wonk who failed to win Hove and another failed parliamentary candidate. See the London Mayor debate blog at conservativehome.com.

I understand that local GLA member, Richard Barnes, will also be handing in his application today. At last a heavyweight candidate with experience of office as leader of Hillingdon council and GLA member.