Chuka Umunna has thrown his weight behind Tessa Jowell citing her as the ‘only Labour contender who can beat any Tory’ in the race for City Hall.
This comes just three days after a Survation poll revealed that Sadiq Khan would beat Conservative candidate Zac Goldsmith at the ballot box.
The shadow business secretary said the combination of her policies and her track record helping to secure the Olympics in 2012 make her the ideal candidate.
He explained: “I’m a proud Londoner and I’m backing Tessa because she is the outstanding candidate to be Mayor and to lead our city.
“I’m backing her not only because of the policies that she has so clearly set out to deal with the crisis facing London, but also because of the way she has run her campaign in building a movement to build a fairer, more equal and prosperous London, a city of great opportunity but huge inequalities we must address.”
He also praised her ‘optimistic’ campaign which has attracted many young voters.
He added: “Tessa is running an open and optimistic campaign – key to my politics – attracting many young people who have never been politically active before who want to play their part in building One London.
“Her formidable network of over 1,500 volunteers with an average age in their mid 20s is testament to this.
“So, for me, it has to be Tessa for Labour in London. She is the only Labour contender who can beat any Tory and she has the policies for London that focus on opportunity and not narrow tribalism which turns so many off from politics.
“So, for me, it has to be Tessa for Labour in London.”
“London needs a Labour Mayor who can deliver. She is the candidate with an inspiring vision of a better future and, from Sure Start to the Olympics, Londoners know Tessa can deliver, and Labour supporters know she’s a winner.
“I’m not just giving Tessa my vote, I’m excited to be campaigning with her and giving her every bit of my support.
“She can do great things if we get behind her and that’s exactly what I intend to do by playing a full role in her campaign.”
Tessa said: “Chuka Umunna is a brilliant politician and a wonderful friend of mine.
“I am pleased and honoured to have his support.”
.@ChukaUmunna is a brilliant politician and a wonderful friend of mine. I am pleased and honoured to have his support pic.twitter.com/JNUpMjEaNB
— Tessa Jowell (@TessaJowell) August 20, 2015
Image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks
