Sajid Javid and Samuel Kasumu
(Picture: Dominic Lipinski/PA //Emanuel K Miranda)Why hasn’t the Tory party picked a candidate to face Sadiq Khan in next year’s mayoral elections? Last time, eventual loser Shaun Bailey was selected more than 18 months before the planned 2020 vote.
There has been far less noise this time. Big names such as Sajid Javid, right, who is standing down as an MP, have been touted as possible runners, but haven’t shown any interest so far. Former Number 10 advisor Samuel Kasumu, below right, has said he is running. Kasumu recently met members of President Biden’s administration on a US tour.
With polls looking poor for Tories, we’re told they may be waiting until after May’s local elections to avoid any further ‘blue on blue’ infighting. They declined to comment. As Khan aims for a third term, who will take him on?
For Lee’s a jolly good Fellow..
Famous admirers turned out to watch trailblazing US director Spike Lee pick up the BFI’s Fellowship award on the Southbank last night.
Designer Oswald Boateng interviewed the Do The Right Thing director on stage, while actor Clive Owen, who starred in Lee’s film Inside Man, came on a surprise guest to present the award. Fellow director Edgar Wright watched on.
As well as looking back on his career, Lee said his series on Colin Kaepernick, the NFL player famous for taking the knee, was taking a while to finish. Lee’s films often touch on race, and he took the chance to mourn that “black and brown people are still being shot down like it’s all right”. Owen is clearly a fan: he said he was missing his beloved Liverpool’s derby match with Everton to be there.
Raabing shoulders
Dominic Raab appears to be on a charm offensive following bullying claims. The Justice Secretary was seen with junior staff “having a convivial and definitely non-bullying drink” at Parliament’s Strangers’ Bar on Thursday, where he took a work call. Raab has been accused of being “nasty and difficult” by one civil servant, with an official complaint concerning 27 others. Let’s hope he bought some rounds.
Beeb furore rears head at the theatre
Major BBC figures went to the National last night for new musical Standing at the Sky’s Edge, as the furore around chairman Richard Sharp goes on. BBC senior independent director Sir Nicholas Serota came from a meeting where Sharp’s future was discssed, but opted to talk about the play, we hear. Ex-BBC DG Greg Dyke, who left in 2004 after a row over the Iraq War, went too. National chair Sir Damon Buffini is also BBC deputy chair: he could take over if the boss is forced out.
Feeling the Valentines love at the Odeon
Leading lady Lily James and writer Jemima Khan turned out for the premiere of their film What’s Love Got To Do With It? at the Odeon in Leicester Square last night. Also there were co-stars Shazad Latif and Emma Thompson, who brought her family, and fan Richard E. Grant, who is presenting the BAFTAs on Sunday. He says he hopes to get selfies with his fave celebs. In north London, actors Clive Anderson and Arthur Conti were at the after party for their play Winner’s Curse at The Park Theatre. Conti’s famous family, including grandad Tom and mum Nina, were in support.
