Daniel Korski drops out of London mayoral race in wake of grope claim

Daniel Korski has withdrawn from the contest to become Conservative candidate for the London Mayoral election after being accused of groping TV writer Daisy Goodwin in Downing Street.

The 46-year-old said he was quitting the race “with a heavy heart” and that he categorically denied Ms Goodwin’s allegation, but the story had become “a distraction from the race and the Conservative Party”.

The former Number 10 special adviser had been adamant that he would not pull out of the contest, and even on Wednesday morning remained bullish about his future.

But after backers started withdrawing their support and some Tory MPs exerted pressure on him to quit, he decided the game was up.

It leaves the Conservatives with a choice of just two candidates to choose from for the 2024 race against the incumbent, Sadiq Khan.

‘A distraction from the race’

In a statement Mr Korski said: “I have decided, with a heavy heart, to withdraw from the Conservative mayoral contest.

“I categorically deny the allegation against me. Nothing was ever put to me formally ten years ago. Nor seven years ago when the allegation was alluded to. No investigation has ever taken place. I have been clear I would welcome and constructively participate in any investigation.

“However, the pressure on my family because of this false and unproven allegation and the inability to get a hearing for my message of ‘The London Dream’ makes it impossible for my campaign to carry on.

“I am proud of having run a positive campaign that championed new ideas, technology and talent, and the years I have campaigned for the Conservative Party and to make the lives of Londoners better.

“I believe strongly that Londoners deserve an uplifting and positive vision for their city. I tried hard to offer that.

“The news agenda is becoming a distraction from the race and the Conservative Party.

“I wish the excellent remaining contestants well and I know the Conservative Party’s eventual candidate will beat Sadiq Khan and offer the kind of rejuvenation London so desperately needs. I will do my utmost to support the Conservative Party and the eventual Conservative candidate.

“Thank you to my family, friends and all my supporters.”

Earlier in the day, Downing Street had declined to say whether the Prime Minister believed Mr Korski was a suitable candidate or if he should suspend his campaign, but did say “conclusions shouldn’t be drawn on until the processes are followed through”.

Mr Sunak’s press secretary said: “Obviously these allegations are very serious. They are allegations that have obviously been denied by Daniel Korski himself. They should be handled in the proper way.”

Asked if the Prime Minister would encourage anyone with complaints against former staff members to come forward, his press secretary said: “Yes, of course.”

Calls for selection process to be reopened

Mr Korski’s withdrawal from the mayoral race has already sparked calls for the whole process to be restarted.

Samuel Kasumu, who was eliminated from the Tory selection process when the final three were selected, told The Telegraph he deserves another chance in light of Mr Korski’s decision to stand down.

“Londoners rightly expect the Conservatives to put forward the best possible candidate, after a thorough and fair contest,” he said.

“The selection process should be reopened, with more direct involvement from members. There is still time to put this right.”