Previous Story
Environmentalist Zac Goldsmith to Run for Mayor of London
Posted On Oct 02 2015
Comment: Off
Zac Goldsmith has underlined the importance of solving the capital’s chronic housing shortage after being chosen as the Conservative’s candidate for the next Mayor of London.
Goldsmith, like Johnson, is a critic of plans to build a third runway at Heathrow, a position which puts him at odds with Cameron and others in the Conservative Party.
The fight for London is now on, as Labour picked their candidate Tooting MP Sadiq Khan a few weeks ago. “That’s something which can be shouted from the rooftops”.
Goldsmith won a decisive 70.6% of the vote in the Tory contest.
Goldsmith said he would deliver more transport investment to prevent London “grinding to a halt” and also promised to “protect, enhance and improve access” to green spaces.
On winning the new Conservative candidate told supporters the biggest challenge London faces now is housing, that he wants to “mend our politics”, boost high streets, improve transport and provide a healthier environment.
Labour’s Sadiq Khan has officially be joined by Zac Goldsmith as the heavy hitters in next year’s mayoral election. Londoners are being priced out of their city and we will need a step change in the number of homes built, and the manner in which they are built.
Next year’s Mayoral election is set to deliver a crucial early verdict on the appeal of Jeremy Corbyn.
Speaking after the announcment this morning, Mr Goldsmith said London had “come a long way” under Mr Johnson.
Speaking to LBC today, Mr Goldsmith admitted he faced a tough battle against Mr Khan, who secured 48,152 votes during Labour’s selection process.
“Zac Goldsmith is that fighter”.
He beat Conservative rivals Andrew Boff, a London Assembly Member, MEP Syed Kamall, and London’s deputy mayor for crime and policing Stephen Greenhalgh.
Incumbent mayor Boris Johnson said: “I’m delighted for Zac – he’s principled, hard-working and dedicated”. In total, 9,227 votes were cast for the four candidates. He’s fearless. He will make a brilliant Mayor.
