Croydon MP criticises Zac Goldsmith’s mayoral campaign

L-R: Steve O’Connell, Zac Goldsmith, Gavin Barwell, Chris Philp. Pic: @GavinBarwellMP

Croydon MP Gavin Barwell has joined a number of Conservative MPs who have criticised the election campaign of defeated London Mayoral candidate Zac Goldsmith.

The Tory MP for Croydon Central tweeted at the weekend (May 7) that Goldsmith’s campaign – which attempted to link Khan with muslim extremism – did not reflect the real Goldsmith.

Our Mayoral campaign didn’t communicate the @ZacGoldsmith I know, a passionate environmentalist & one of the least tribal of politicians

— Gavin Barwell MP (@GavinBarwellMP) May 7, 2016

Goldsmith’s campaign, run by political strategist Lynton Crosby’s firm CTF Partners, alleged that Khan had had failed in his judgement over whom he shared platforms with in the past, whilst working as a human rights lawyer.

Many Tories kept quiet about their concerns over the Goldsmith campaign until after the election, and various key party members have subsequently come forward and suggested that the controversial tactics contributed to their loss at City Hall.

Barwell, a long-standing figure in Croydon’s political landscape, tweeted: “Sadiq Khan was a more formidable opponent than @Ken4London (Ken Livingstone) but our campaign alienated some and we need to recognise that.”

He also tweeted congratulating Khan:

Congratulations to @SadiqKhan on his election as Mayor of London. I look forward to working with you to change #Croydon for the better

— Gavin Barwell MP (@GavinBarwellMP) May 7, 2016

John Cartwright, formerly a member of the Monster Raving Loony Party in Croydon, but now a Conservative party member, also criticised Goldsmith’s campaign. He tweeted on May 7: “My vote for Zac Goldsmith (in the 2nd round of the election, not the 1st) was probably the most reluctant vote I have ever cast for anyone.”

He continued:

… I only voted for Zac Goldmsith in the 2nd round because the idea of abstaining was even less palatable.

— John Cartwright (@JohnLoony) 8 May 2016

Goldsmith’s campaign may have an impact on Barwell’s position in Croydon, according to Steve Reed, Labour MP for Croydon North. He tweeted: “Tory @GavinBarwell will lose support in diverse Croydon for closely embracing Zac’s racially divisive campaign.”

There are concerns that the tactics used by the Tory candidate will have burnt bridges that Conservatives have built with London’s muslim community.

Khan tweeted after his victory on May 5: