Who could have seen it coming? Daniel Korski’s shock decision to drop out of the London mayoral race yesterday took most of Westminster by surprise, coming after he had spent several days trying to rebut allegations of inappropriate sexual misconduct. But Mr S can reveal that he, exclusively, knew it was all over for Korski several days before the official announcement came.
How so? It’s simple: Nadhim Zahawi, the unluckiest man in Tory politics, had backed him for the role. On Monday, the former Chancellor threw his weight behind Korski, praising his ‘grit, experience and ideas’ and ability to bring a ‘can-do-attitude to fixing London’s problems’. Just a few hours later the Times published Daisy Goodwin’s claims about Korski; allegations he strenuously denies. Korski’s campaign staggered on for 48 hours before ending ignominiously yesterday – with Zahawi earning the ignominious honour of being the final MP to back him.
A similar fate befell Zahawi in October too, during the second Tory leadership contest.
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