If nothing changes, Zac Goldsmith will lose the London mayoral election to Sadiq Khan. His decision to back EU withdrawal won’t help his cause. By affirming his lifelong position, the Conservative candidate has taken a principled stance but a politically foolish one. London is the most pro-EU region of the country and Khan, an unambiguous supporter, can now relentlessly harness that vote (the contest takes place on 5 May, shortly before the referendum on 23 June).
Goldsmith’s decision will aid Khan’s effort to position himself as the true pro-business candidate. The City of London is firmly opposed to Brexit and is satisfied with the safeguards David Cameron has achieved for non-eurozone states. Pro-European groups such as the CBI and London First will put Goldsmith’s stance under particular scrutiny.
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