Susan Hall returns as City Hall Conservative leader and reignites political fight with Sadiq Khan

There was a shake-up at City Hall this week as Susan Hall quietly reclaimed leadership of the Conservatives on the London Assembly, less than a year after her high-profile defeat to Sadiq Khan in the mayoral race. Her return to the role, confirmed following the group’s internal elections, suggests the party is opting for a more combative style of opposition in the months ahead.

Hall, who previously led the Conservative group before being unseated in 2023 by Neil Garratt, made little secret of her eagerness to get back into the fray. “I missed leading the charge,” she said, calling her return “thrilling.” Known for her instinctive and sometimes controversial political style, Hall is already directing her focus towards the looming funding crisis in the Metropolitan Police, with thousands of staff roles potentially on the line. “We need proper scrutiny of what this mayor is doing with public money,” she added.

While Neil Garratt preferred a meticulous, policy-driven approach, Hall is unapologetically direct. Her style may not be to everyone’s taste, but her message, especially on crime, tax, and the cost of government, continues to resonate with many Londoners beyond Zones 1 and 2. Her opposition to the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and push for tighter budgets at the Greater London Authority have earned her support among suburban voters who feel increasingly left out of central London politics.

Hall’s return as City Hall Conservative leader follows a turbulent period for the group, and it’s likely to set a different tone in how the party challenges Mayor Khan. Though Susan Hall lost the mayoral election by more than 275,000 votes, Hall’s campaign raised questions about fairness, visibility, and the level of support she received from her own party. At the time, she looked bruised by the scale of the defeat and by a much-commented-on moment when Khan appeared to ignore her offer of congratulations at the results declaration.

Still, Hall hasn’t faded into the background. Whether sparring with the mayor over ticket allocations or calling for inquiries into grooming gangs, she’s remained one of the Assembly’s most outspoken figures. Her social media presence, too, has landed her in hot water more than once. A now-deleted post featuring an AI-generated image of Sadiq Khan underwater prompted a complaint to the City Hall watchdog. Hall brushed it off as “a light-hearted joke,” but critics were quick to condemn it.

In a formal statement, Susan Hall said:

“London faces serious challenges, from crime to housing, and people want real answers, not just slogans. I’ll make sure this Assembly does its job and keeps the mayor in check.”

She also signalled a return to core Conservative themes, promising to focus on “value for money, safer streets, and sensible priorities.”

Her re-election was decided during the party’s annual group vote, which takes place behind closed doors. With only eight Tory Assembly Members out of 25, influence is limited. However, Hall’s reappointment suggests her colleagues see value in a louder, sharper voice to lead their charge.

Deputy Leader Emma Best, known for questioning the mayor on matters ranging from policing to pop concerts, remains in post.

For those watching London’s political theatre, Hall’s return is set to reignite a long-running rivalry with Sadiq Khan, one that promises more fiery exchanges in the Assembly chamber. The capital’s future direction may not hinge on who leads the City Hall opposition, but it will certainly shape the tone of the debate.

For more updates on City Hall politics and further insights, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.

[Image Credit | www.london.gov.uk]

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