John xxxxxx, let me get right to the point: I’m really worried. 

In a bid to rig the game, the Tories have hiked the spending limit for the mayoral election in May by an eye-watering 80% to £760,000. 

They’re plotting to overrun us with big money from wealthy donors. I hate to say it, but I just don’t know if we can keep up. 

John xxxxxx, I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t serious. As it stands, the donations aren’t coming in quick enough for us to stop the Tories pulling ahead. But if enough of us chip in now, we can put a dent in the £300,000 gap together.

We only just about managed to match Tory spending last time - they spent £428,000 and us £422,000. It took thousands of you chipping in, but we didn’t let their deep pockets tip the scales. But now they’ve moved the goalposts, and I’m deeply concerned they’ll leave us behind. 

Money matters in elections. Now the gloves are off, the Tories will pour extra cash into billboards, online advertising, shadowy consultancies and who knows what else in their desperation to wrest London away from Labour. We can’t let them crowd our message out. 

Make no mistake: this race will be close. We won the first round by just 4.7% in 2021, even though the polls showed bigger leads. To help their chances, the Tories have already changed the voting system and made photo ID compulsory to vote. Outspending us by miles could be what gets them over the line this time. 

John xxxxxx, don't let us be outspent this year. It's too important to stop a hard-right Tory getting their hands on London. Give what you can now - it only takes a minute. 

We’re building a superb campaign. We’ve got an amazing volunteer army, great policies for Londoners, and a plan to win. I just can’t stand the thought that money could get in the way of all that. 

Thanks for being part of the team, let’s keep London Labour together,

Sadiq