Daniel Korski, a tech entrepreneur and former deputy head of policy in Downing Street under David Cameron, has thrown his hat into the ring for the Tory mayoral candidate position, proposing the introduction of a tourist tax and the replacement of the ULEZ expansion with “pay per mile” road charges. Korski argues that it is time for an “outsider” to challenge the incumbent mayor, Sadiq Khan, as frustrations mount over rising crime, traffic congestion, and strikes on the Tube.
Korski emphasized the range of emotional reactions from the public, ranging from frustration and discontent to outright disappointment with Khan’s leadership. He believes that people are eager for a change and want something different from the current administration. Speculation is also growing that Minister for London Paul Scully will announce his candidacy soon.
Having left frontline politics seven years ago and without any previous elected office experience, Korski has a diverse background, including working as a war correspondent in conflict zones such as Libya, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. He has suggested implementing a modest levy on hotel rooms to generate additional funding for the Metropolitan Police, a concept previously proposed by the London Finance Commission established by Khan in 2016.
Korski argues that tackling the perception of inadequate safety and policing requires increased resources. While he acknowledges the reluctance to raise taxes, he believes that a small additional charge of £1 or £2 on hotel bills would not deter visitors from choosing London over other destinations.
In terms of transportation policy, Korski opposes the imminent expansion of the ULEZ to the Greater London boundary. He advocates for the introduction of “smart” road user charging, which could be implemented more rapidly than the current timeline set by Khan and Transport for London, which envisions completion by the end of the decade. Korski suggests leveraging new technologies to track and address the most polluting vehicle journeys, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach rather than solely focusing on the ULEZ expansion.
Korski emphasizes the importance of a greener and more livable city, acknowledging that air quality in London needs improvement. However, he questions the effectiveness of the ULEZ expansion as a solution and calls for exploring various technological options.
Expressing a desire for a fresh perspective, Korski advocates for an “outside approach” that breaks away from traditional political line-ups. He believes that the London dream, which he personally experienced after moving to the UK in 1997, is slipping away for many individuals due to limited access to quality education, job opportunities, and affordable housing.
Science Minister George Freeman has endorsed Korski’s candidacy, highlighting his understanding of the conditions necessary to foster innovation and economic growth. Other contenders for the Tory mayoral candidate position include London Assembly members Susan Hall, Andrew Boff, and Nick Rogers, as well as Samuel Kasumu, a former Downing Street aide to Boris Johnson.
In response to the growing number of contenders, Sadiq Khan commented that it seems like every Tory in London, except Boris Johnson, is running for the Tory candidate position and wished them all the best of luck.
