Lib Dem candidate pulls out of London mayoral campaign
Siobhan Benita's first speech as candidate for London mayor in 2020. Photograph: TH Lib Dems. - Credit: TH Lib Dems
The Lib Dem candidate for the London mayoral elections has pulled out of the race after the coronavirus pandemic delayed the election by a year.
Siobhan Benita had been expected to run for office in May, but due to the pandemic the election was delayed by a year.
But now Benita has announced she will be unable to commit to 'another full year of campaigning' due to the fact it is unpaid.
The politician said she was 'immensely grateful' for the support from activists.
She said: 'The demands on a candidate are significant and an election of this scale, particularly in an unpaid role, means it's really difficult to get other work.
You may also want to watch:
'And unfortunately with the delay due to the pandemic I'm simply not able to commit to another full year of campaigning and to leading the type of campaign that I really want to lead in London.'
She added: 'I wish the very best of luck to my successor and look forward to supporting their campaign for a better London'.
Most Read
- 1 Susanna Reid takes on Priti Patel over government's gaslighting of public on coronavirus
- 2 ‘Don’t haste ye back’ - Nicola Sturgeon's perfect farewell message to Donald Trump
- 3 PMQs: Ben Bradshaw calls out Boris Johnson over Brexit lies
- 4 Brexiteer musician accused of hypocrisy after demanding No 10 help bands with EU visa
- 5 Tory minister admits UK rejected EU's music visa offer in order to 'take back control' of borders
- 6 Piers Morgan tells Gavin Williamson to resign for being a 'catastrophe'
- 7 Comedian wins praise after shaming No 10 during Dancing on Ice appearance
- 8 The greatest failure of government in our lifetime
- 9 9 of the best tweets of Donald Trump leaving the White House
- 10 Trump caller hangs up on James O'Brien after failing to cite ex-president's 'truths'
Acting leader of the Lib Dems Ed Davey said he was 'very sorry to see Siobhan stand down at this time, but she will continue to be a huge asset to our party'.
The party is now seeking a new candidate for next year's election.
'Details on the selection of a new candidate will be announced in due course,' the party said.
Become a Supporter
The New European is proud of its journalism and we hope you are proud of it too. We believe our voice is important - both in representing the pro-EU perspective and also to help rebalance the right wing extremes of much of the UK national press. If you value what we are doing, you can help us by making a contribution to the cost of our journalism.
