Tories urge Olympic legend Sebastian Coe to enter race for London mayor - as new polling suggests he could run Labour's Sadiq Khan out of town

Tories urge Olympic legend Sebastian Coe to enter race for London mayor - as new polling suggests he could run Labour's Sadiq Khan out of town

The Conservative Party is encouraging Sebastian Coe, the former Olympic athlete and current president of World Athletics, to consider running for mayor of London. Recent polling indicates that Coe could pose a significant challenge to incumbent Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan in the upcoming election.

What happened

Conservative officials have publicly expressed their support for Coe as a potential candidate for the London mayoralty. This comes amid reports of polling data suggesting that Coe may have a competitive edge over Khan, who has held the position since 2016. The Tories believe Coe's high profile and achievements could resonate with voters.

Why this is gaining attention

The call for Coe to enter the race has gained traction following the release of new polling results. These results indicate that Coe could outperform Khan in a head-to-head contest. The Conservatives are seeking to capitalize on this momentum as they prepare for the next mayoral election, scheduled for May 2024.

What it means

If Coe decides to run, it could significantly alter the dynamics of the mayoral race. His candidacy may attract both traditional Conservative voters and those who admire his sporting achievements. This development is noteworthy as it could challenge Labour's long-standing dominance in London politics.

Key questions

• Q: What is the situation?
  A: The Conservative Party is urging Sebastian Coe to run for London mayor, with polling suggesting he could defeat incumbent Sadiq Khan.
• Q: Why is this important now?
  A: New polling data indicates that Coe may be a strong contender against Khan, prompting increased interest in his potential candidacy.