What's happened
Former UK PM Boris Johnson has endorsed Tory Mayoral candidates in the West Midlands and Tees Valley, urging voters to focus on the candidates' records. The candidates, Andy Street and Ben Houchen, are seeking re-election in closely contested races, distancing themselves from the wider Conservative party.
Why it matters
The endorsement from Boris Johnson could impact the outcomes of the mayoral elections in the West Midlands and Tees Valley. The candidates' efforts to distance themselves from the Conservative party suggest a strategy to appeal to voters beyond party lines.
What the papers say
The Mirror highlights the accusations of 'desperation' faced by the Tory Mayoral candidates for seeking support from Boris Johnson. The Guardian emphasizes the candidates' association with Johnson despite running separate campaigns from the Conservative party. Sky News discusses the tactics employed by Andy Street's campaign to highlight his independence from the Tory brand while receiving an endorsement from Johnson.
How we got here
The Tory Mayoral candidates in the West Midlands and Tees Valley are facing tough re-election battles. Boris Johnson's endorsement comes at a crucial time, potentially influencing voters' decisions. The candidates' efforts to distance themselves from the Conservative party suggest a strategic move to appeal to a broader voter base.
Common question
More on these topics
-
Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson Hon FRIBA is a British politician, writer, and former journalist serving as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2019.
-
Ben Houchen is an English politician serving as the Tees Valley Mayor since May 2017.
A member of the Conservative Party, Houchen represents the five Tees Valley local authority areas of Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar and Cleveland, Hartlepool an