A ConservativeHome survey of 900 members* makes the campaign for the Tory Mayoral candidature a two-horse race between Zac Goldsmith and Syed Kamall. Zac on 56% looks prima facie unassailable, however he has never before been challenged from the right in a competitive election. Which is fortunate for him, because he holds some pretty far out flaky views and will not be looking forward to facing hustings with Syed, who is extremely popular with wonkish true believers. There is also the small matter of Heathrow…
If Heathrow is selected for expansion there has been a lot of talk by Zac of resigning his seat and re-standing for his safe seat as an independent, presumably against a rival Tory candidate. This complicates his candidacy for Mayor, Zac surely can’t stand for parliament against a Tory and as a Tory for Mayor. Do not underestimate the willingness of CCHQ and Downing Street to choreograph events to the benefit of Zac – who has his fans in high places e.g. Samantha Cameron. If nevertheless the decision is for Heathrow and Zac is already the Tory candidate this would pitch him against the government, he has hinted that he would then run as an independent, as Ken Livingstone once did successfully. London could end up being controlled by a car taxing green zealot unrestrained by Tory policies – no wonder the Greens in the London Assembly are so keen on Zac running – he would bring the slogan “vote blue, go green” to life. Zac’s stance will be teased out at any hustings, which he has so far avoided, any ambiguity on this will not go down well with the true blue selectorate …
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