Following a ballot in which 79% constituent voters gave their blessing
Zac Goldsmith, the MP for Richmond Park, has confirmed his candidacy for London Mayor after receiving backing from his constituents for the move.
Following the ballot results he said: "I am hugely grateful to the residents of Richmond Park and North Kingston for taking part in the ballot, and am overwhelmed by the mandate they have given me to run for Mayor.
Mr Goldsmith had sent out 77,071 ballot papers and received 19,890 back, a turnout of 25.8%. Some 15,802, or 79% of those who took part said "yes", with just 3,569, or 18%, saying "no."
"For five years I have campaigned hard on the issues that matter to my constituents, whether fighting to stop Heathrow expansion, pressing for free parking to help our small shops, stopping plans to charge people for enjoying Richmond Park, or campaigning to give voters more power over their MPs. I have seen how a campaigning MP can make a real difference.
Complementing Boris Johnson he said: "Boris has shown what a strong, campaigning Mayor can achieve for the whole of London. He has secured investment, created jobs, made our streets safer and much more. On his watch, London has become the world’s greatest city with all the benefits that brings.
Former Conservative MP Nick de Bois - who lost his seat at the last election - will be Mr Goldsmith's campaign manager.
Looking to the campaign Mr Goldsmith continued: "We need to continue to build on that progress, making sure London works for all Londoners. That means bearing down on unsustainable rents and helping more Londoners own their own home; continuing to improve and grow our transport system to cut delays and deliver value for money for commuters; promoting a healthier living environment for London families.
It means working closely with Government to ensure Londoners get a fair deal and standing up to Government when we don’t."
He finished off by saying: "Having just been given the green light to run by my constituents, I have a lot of work to do to earn selection as the Conservative Party candidate for Mayor. I will work tirelessly to repay my constituents’ loyalty and to gain the trust of Londoners so we can make London an even greater and more livable city.”
June 24, 2015