Daniel Korski withdraws from London mayoral race after groping claim

Daniel Korski has pulled out of the race to be the Tory candidate in the mayoral race in London after a TV producer accused him of groping her a decade ago.

In a statement on Wednesday, Korski, the only Jewish candidate in the contest, said: “I have decided, with a heavy heart, to withdraw from the Conservative mayoral contest.

“I categorically deny the allegation against me. Nothing was ever put to me formally ten years ago. Nor seven years ago when the allegation was alluded to. No investigation has ever taken place. I have been clear I would welcome and constructively participate in any investigation.

“However, the pressure on my family because of this false and unproven allegation, and the inability to get a hearing for my message of ‘The London Dream’, makes it impossible for my campaign to carry on.”

Confirmation that Korski was withdrawing from the contest came after television producer Daisy Goodwin said she had filed a formal complaint with the Cabinet Office after accusing him of sexually assaulting her during a meeting at Downing Street a decade ago.

Goodwin told BBC Radio that she filed the complaint because she was told there would be no investigation of her claims until she did.

Responding to Korski quitting the race to be the Tory candidate for the London mayoralty, Goodwin told the PA news agency: “I am glad he has withdrawn – it shows that women can speak out against misbehaviour in the workplace and be believed.

“If I was in the ethics department of the Cabinet Office, I would be wondering why such behaviour went unchecked in Downing Street.”

Downing Street also described Goodwin’s groping allegation against the Tory London mayoral hopeful as “very serious”.

Asked if Rishi Sunak believes Korski was a suitable candidate, the Prime Minister’s press secretary said: “As you know there are three candidates and the Prime Minister does not endorse any single one candidate.

“Obviously these allegations are very serious. They are allegations that have obviously been denied by Daniel Korski himself. They should be handled in the proper way.”

Children and families minister Claire Coutinho had earlier become the latest senior Conservative to confirm she was also holding her backing for Korsski.

Korski has previously spoken about his pride in his Jewish identity and is a Vice President with the Jewish Leadership Council.