Rory Stewart quits postponed London mayoral race

Rory Stewart has quit the postponed London mayoral race after facing "considerable challenges" in the delayed election.

Mr Stewart ran as an independent after the Tory whip was removed from rebels who voted against the government on Brexit.

In a post on Twitter he announced "with sadness" that he was dropping out of the election.

The former Tory cabinet minister praised London and its "courageous response" to the Covid-19 crisis.

He added it would have been "the honour of my life" to serve the city as mayor.

Stewart's announcement was made on the eve of what should have been polling day.