…By Larry John for TDPel Media.
Howard Cox, the founder of the Fair Fuel UK campaign, has been announced as Reform UK’s candidate for the London mayoral election in 2024.
Cox has pledged to eliminate the entire Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), not just the expansion to outer London, if elected.
He has also promised to abolish Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) across the capital, reduce crime, and increase the number of homes built.
Cox’s lobbying group, Fair Fuel UK, is focused on reducing charges on diesel and petrol vehicles, particularly fuel duty.
He claims to have prevented over £200 billion in planned tax increases, allowing fuel duty to remain frozen since 2010.
The London mayoral election is scheduled for May 2, 2024.
Incumbent mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed that he will seek a third term as Labour’s candidate.
Meanwhile, the Green Party has announced Hackney councillor Zoë Garbett as their candidate, while the Conservative and Liberal Democrat candidates have yet to be selected.
Analysis:
Howard Cox’s candidacy for the Reform UK party highlights their focus on promoting car ownership and reducing charges on fuel.
Cox’s pledge to eliminate the entire ULEZ, as well as his promise to abolish LTNs across the city, goes against the trend of many cities around the world seeking to reduce car usage and promote sustainable modes of transportation.
The mayoral election in 2024 is shaping up to be a competitive race, with multiple candidates from different parties. Incumbent mayor Sadiq Khan is seeking re-election for Labour, while the Green Party has already announced their candidate.
The Conservative and Liberal Democrat candidates have yet to be selected, but the addition of Reform UK’s Cox will add another dimension to the race.
The announcement of Howard Cox as Reform UK’s candidate for the London mayoral election highlights the party’s emphasis on promoting car ownership and reducing charges on fuel.
Cox’s candidacy will add a new perspective to the race and give voters another option to consider.