Tory campaigners have called for the party to restart the race for the London mayoral nominee after Daniel Korski dropped out following an accusation of sexual assault.
The 46-year-old on Wednesday announced he was quitting the race with a “heavy heart” after TV writer Daisy Goodwin accused him of groping her breast during a meeting in No10. It leaves two candidates remaining in the race to challenge Sadiq Khan in next year’s mayoral election.
Samuel Kasumu, who previously announced his intention to stand but was not selected by the CCHQ panel, told the Telegraph that the selection process should be reopened with “more direct involvement” from members.
“There is still time to put this right,” he added.
Former London minister Paul Scully was not among those chosen by the panel, despite being the only MP on the candidate longlist drawn up by CCHQ.
Az Chowdhury, his campaign manager, told the newspaper: “It is unconscionable that the choice for members is down to two.
“The only option for the party now is to re-run the selection from the very start. It isn’t fair that candidates who were not put forward to the final three are still excluded.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride told LBC that readmitting Mr Scully would be an “interesting move” but refused to back the decision.
In a statement on Wednesday, Mr Korski “categorically denied” the allegation made by Ms Goodwin.
“Nothing was ever put to me formally 10 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.
“The news agenda is becoming a distraction from the race and the Conservative Party.”
The Conservative Party said it is not investigating the allegation.
Hustings for the Mayoral race will take place until July 3, with members voting for their preferred candidate between July 4 and 18. The successful candidate will be announced the following day.
Ms Hall, a London Assembly member, said Mr Korski should still be investigated over the groping allegation.
“Daniel fought a hard campaign with lots of fresh ideas and I appreciate his contribution to the debate.
“The allegations against him are serious and it is right that they are investigated in the proper way,” she tweeted.
