Labour set to play the long game with Jowell’s Mayoral tilt
Published:Dame Tessa Jowell’s announcement that she’s set to give up her parliamentary seat at the next general election has re-ignited speculation that she’ll challenge for the position of Mayor of London in 2016.
Ladbrokes have made the Labour MP available at 7/1 to take over from Boris Johnson once his tenure ends with an assault by Jowell on City Hall being mooted by many political onlookers.
Having already been credited as a key player in bringing the 2012 Olympics to the capital, the former Culture Secretary would be a prime candidate to run for election should she wish to prolong her career in politics.
The 66-year-old is 7/2 to be chosen to lead Labour’s charge with her party heavy favourites at 1/2 to defeat the Conservatives who are priced at 9/4. The Liberal Democrats are lagging even further behind (25/1) with any other representation available at odds of 10/1.
And while the race to win the hearts and minds of London’s voters is yet to begin in earnest, Jowell has already laid down something of a marker to signal her possible intent.
She told reporters: “It is really too early for anyone to be declaring themselves ahead of the local elections next year and the general election in 2015.”
“I love London and, of course, when the time comes will think hard about whether I should offer myself as a candidate.”
Her passion for the city she serves is clear and will prove crucial if she’s to topple the current incumbent.
Johnson has dominated both the local and national political landscape since being elected Mayor of London in 2008.
But if he decides his future ambitions lie elsewhere or voters make it known that they’re keen for change, Jowell looks the safest bet to take over the helm.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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