Overview

• The English Devolution Bill would amend the Greater London Authority Act 1999 to disqualify anyone from serving as mayor if they are an elected member of a UK legislature.
• The proposal would close off a route for Sir Sadiq Khan to return to the Commons before the next general election, though he has said he has no ambition to re-enter Parliament or seek the Labour leadership.
• Angela Rayner’s ministry says the measure applies to other city leaders, including Andy Burnham, to ensure mayors concentrate on local responsibilities.
• A Tory strategist criticized the move as party political, alleging it targets potential leadership rivals to the deputy prime minister.
• Reports highlight Boris Johnson’s stint as both London mayor and MP as a precedent the bill is intended to prevent future mayors from repeating.