James Cleverly, the Conservative frontrunner for the 2028 London mayoral election, has pledged to review every cost the Greater London Authority (GLA) imposes on Londoners, including the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) fee, Congestion Charge, and TfL fare rises, as part of a drive to reduce the cost of living.
In a wide-ranging interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) on MyLondon's new podcast, The London Brief, the former Home Secretary said he wants to examine all levies that City Hall places on motorists, homeowners, and those buying newbuild properties, which he claims face inflated costs due to additional regulations.
Cleverly's cost-of-living review
Mr Cleverly, who represents Braintree as an MP but has deep London roots, said the cost of living for Londoners has "gone up and up and up." He highlighted that in outer London, car use is often a necessity for school runs, caring for elderly parents, shopping, and commuting to work or the Home Counties.
"If you're a small business person, for example, you've got a van for work - it is an absolute necessity," he told the podcast. He added that he wants to look at "anything which adds to the cost of living for Londoners," including vehicle taxing and road pricing, but has made no commitments about what he would keep, change, or remove.
He acknowledged improvements in central London's air quality, saying, "The fact that Central London has got much, much, much cleaner air now is great - a huge amount of improvement has been already delivered." However, he warned against City Hall imposing further taxes "through the back door," noting, "I struggle to see how my children can afford to live in London."
ULEZ and housing costs under scrutiny
The ULEZ expansion to every London borough in 2023 was widely blamed for Labour's loss in the Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election that year, and some say it cost Sir Sadiq Khan votes in the 2024 mayoral race, though others argue it showed broad support for the policy. City Hall has defended the expansion, pointing to its scrappage scheme that has removed tens of thousands of older polluting cars and noting that over 96 per cent of vehicles comply with emissions limits and do not pay the daily charge.
Mr Cleverly indicated he is inclined to review ULEZ from a financial perspective, but he does not plan to rip up Sir Sadiq's legacy entirely. "If I can see there are projects that he's working on that are benefitting the city, I'll continue them," he said. "But I think there's a lot of missed opportunities there, and I think that that's why London really needs a fresh start. That's why I put myself forward."
Badenoch's London connection
Mr Cleverly also addressed Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch's stance on the capital, insisting she is "passionate" about London's success. Both he and Ms Badenoch began their political journeys in London, serving short stints on the London Assembly, and Mr Cleverly noted, "When London is doing well, the country as a whole does well."
He added, "She was brought up in London. She served on the London Assembly, like me. She's absolutely gets it. London's success is national success and she totally understands that." While Ms Badenoch remains neutral as party leader, Mr Cleverly said they have discussed London's needs and his potential contribution.
Mr Cleverly, who went to school in Lewisham, joined the army in Woolwich, attended university in Ealing, and started a business in Shoreditch, described himself as having "a classically London story." He argued that London "isn't at the moment operating at its full potential" and that the current Mayor has not given "as much energy to the job as I think the job deserves."
Mayoralty as a national stepping stone
Asked if being Mayor of London was a backup prize after losing the 2024 Tory leadership race to Ms Badenoch, Mr Cleverly said the position is as important as a senior government role. He claimed that a victory at City Hall would be an "incredible important precursor" for the Conservatives to regain power nationally.
"I want to see Kemi as Prime Minister - for that to happen, we have to get a result in London," he said.
