On Tuesday, 13th October Liberal Democrats announced Luisa Porritt as their candidate for Mayor of London in the 2021 election.
Luisa’s appointment follows after Indian-origin candidate Siobhan Benita resigned from the party earlier this year citing “serious errors” in the party in its “London region” which needed to be fixed. Siobhan had also previously announced that she was “stepping down from the race due to financial issues”. Following her resignation, the party was contesting a choice between Luisa Porritt and Indian-origin Geeta Sidhu-Robb.
But a video surfaced on social media where Geeta Sidhu-Robb was seen urging her Muslim voters to not vote for the Jews. She had immediately issued an apology, tweeting, "I urge you to judge me on who I am today, a campaigner committed to eradicating inequality and discrimination in all its forms. And I am actively reaching out to the Jewish community to listen and learn. I particularly wish to acknowledge the hurt that these comments and actions would have inflicted on members of the Jewish community and of a Jewish heritage. Please know that my regret is sincere."
Yet, Geeta had been suspended from the Party and an investigation was underway on her code of conduct. Now, Luisa Porritt has been unilaterally elected as the Party candidate challenging Sadiq Khan of Labour, Shaun Bailey of Conservative and Sian Berry of Green Party.
Luisa Porritt, who was born and raised in London, is Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Camden Council and was previously Deputy Leader of the party’s MEPs.
Commenting on the huge challenges before London in the aftermath of coronavirus, Luisa said, “The pandemic will change our city forever. We need big ideas and urgent action to rise to the challenge. From putting homes in the heart of the city to reinventing our high streets for the future, we can renew every area in London to become thriving, green, and affordable places to live and work.”
Ed Davey, Liberal Democrat Leader, said, “I am delighted Luisa Porritt has been selected as our candidate for Mayor of London. The capital faces a pivotal moment as it seeks to plan its recovery from Covid-19 and Luisa has the energy and ideas we need to reshape London for the better.
“Having beat the Tories in Camden and winning London-wide in the European elections last year, Luisa knows how to defy the odds and win.”
