{{Short description|British politician (born 1971)}} {{distinguish|text = Shaun Bailey, former Conservative Party MP for West Bromwich West}} {{Use British English|date=April 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2023}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = The Right Honourable | name = The Lord Bailey of Paddington | honorific_suffix = {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|AMl}} | image = Official portrait of Lord Bailey of Paddington crop 2, 2025.jpg | caption = Official portrait, 2025 | office = Member of the House of Lords | status = Lord Temporal | term_label = Life peerage | term_start = 10 July 2023 | term_end = | office1 = Member of the London Assembly<br> for Londonwide | term_start1 = 6 May 2016 | term_end1 = | birth_name = Shaun Sharif Bailey | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1971|05|30|df=y}} | birth_place = North Kensington, London, England | death_date = | death_place = | party = Conservative | spouse = Ellie Bailey | children = 2 | education = {{plainlist| *Henry Compton School *Paddington College }} | alma_mater = London South Bank University | signature = Signature of Shaun Bailey, Baron Bailey of Paddington.svg | module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Shaun Bailey on why he became AM.ogg|title=Shaun Bailey's voice|type=speech|description=Bailey on why he became a member of the London Assembly<br />Recorded 21 September 2018}} }} '''Shaun Sharif Bailey, Baron Bailey of Paddington''' (born 30 May 1971), is a British politician. A member of the Conservative Party, he has been a member of the London Assembly since 2016 and the House of Lords since July 2023.
Born in North Kensington to a British Jamaican family, Bailey earned a degree in computer-aided engineering from London South Bank University. In 2006, he co-founded a charity called MyGeneration; it ceased operations in 2012 due to financial problems. Bailey was a researcher for the Centre for Policy Studies and wrote several opinion pieces in British newspapers. He was appointed a special adviser on youth and crime to Prime Minister David Cameron from 2010 to 2013. He also stood unsuccessfully to be elected to the House of Commons as the Conservative candidate for Hammersmith in 2010 and Lewisham West and Penge in 2017.
In 2018, Bailey was selected as the Conservative candidate in the 2021 London mayoral election. He came second in the election, losing to Sadiq Khan in the second-preference count, having received 35 per cent of first-preference and 45 per cent of second-preference votes.
Amid the Partygate scandal, Bailey resigned from his position as chair of the London Assembly's police and crime committee after a photograph of him at a December 2021 gathering at the Conservative Campaign Headquarters emerged, attracting allegations that he had breached COVID-19 restrictions that were then in place in England. In November 2022, the Metropolitan Police said they were taking no action against Bailey for his attendance at the gathering, citing insufficient evidence. On 4 July 2023, the police announced that they would be re-opening their investigation into the gathering after new evidence emerged.
==Early life== Bailey was born on 30 May 1971<ref>{{cite web|url=https://api.parliament.uk/query/resource?uri=https://id.parliament.uk/DFzsuqv3|title=Shaun Bailey|website=api.parliament.uk|access-date=12 July 2023}}</ref> in North Kensington, London. He and his younger brother were raised by his mother and extended family in the absence of his father, who worked as a lorry driver.<ref name="guardian2007">{{cite news|first=Hugh |last=Muir |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2007/may/02/communities.conservativeparty1 |title=Black and blue |work=The Guardian |date=2 May 2007 |access-date=2 May 2010 |location=London}}</ref> When Bailey was around 13 years of age, he got to know his father and his second family, and became close to his stepsisters and stepbrother.<ref name="Radio 4 SB">{{cite episode|title=The House I Grew up in featuring Shaun Bailey|series=The House I Grew Up In|series-link=The House I Grew Up In|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/thehouseigrewupin/pip/wg7d4/|network=BBC|station=BBC Radio 4|airdate=3 September 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423183716/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/thehouseigrewupin/pip/wg7d4/|archive-date=23 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Becky |last=Barnicoat |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2010/mar/19/conservatives-candidates-profiles-election |title=Meet the David Cameron generation |work=The Guardian |date=20 March 2010 |access-date=2 May 2010 |location=London}}</ref> His grandfather came to the UK from Jamaica in 1947. Bailey has said his grandfather fought for Britain in the Second World War.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/tory-mayoral-hopeful-shaun-bailey-calls-for-home-office-head-to-quit-over-windrush-scandal-a4004661.html|title=Tory mayoral hopeful Shaun Bailey calls for Home Office head to quit over Windrush scandal|date=30 November 2018|website=Evening Standard|language=en|access-date=9 April 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Conservative Mayoral candidate interviews: Shaun Bailey|url=https://www.conservativehome.com/localgovernment/2018/07/conservative-mayoral-candidate-interviews-shaun-bailey.html|access-date=12 June 2020|website=Conservative Home|date=20 July 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Bailey attended Henry Compton School in Fulham and left with five CSEs.<ref name="guardian2007"/> When Bailey was 12 years old, his mother sent him to join the Army Cadet Force in White City.<ref name =BBC-TG/> When he was about 19 years old, he became a Sergeant-Instructor and stayed in the Cadets for another 10 years.<ref name=BBC-TG>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7335061.stm | first=Tom |last=Geoghegan |title=Army Cadets saved my life |work=BBC News |date=8 April 2008}}</ref> At about the age of 12 or 13, he began attending the Jubilee Sports Centre to take up gymnastics, and he became a member of Childs Hill Gymnastics Display team.<ref name="Radio 4 SB"/> After leaving secondary school, Bailey attended Paddington College, where he achieved two A-levels and a BTEC certificate.<ref name="guardian2007"/>
Bailey was the subject of an episode of the BBC Radio 4 series ''The House I Grew Up In'', in which he admitted he had been a burglar in his youth and said: "I had a particular group of friends who indulged in a burglary. I had done it with them".<ref>{{cite news|first=Dave|last=Hill |url=https://www.onlondon.co.uk/conservative-mayoral-candidate-shaun-bailey-said-he-committed-burglary-in-his-youth/ |title=Conservative mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey said he committed burglary in his youth |work=OnLondon |date=4 October 2018 |access-date=11 October 2018 |location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/thehouseigrewupin/pip/wg7d4/|title=''The House I Grew up In'', featuring Shaun Bailey|publisher=BBC Radio 4|date=3 September 2008|access-date=28 August 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100423183716/http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/thehouseigrewupin/pip/wg7d4/|archive-date=23 April 2010}}</ref> Reflecting on gang culture, Bailey commented: "The problem of having estates with names is that people become very territorial. You kind of defend your 'ends'. Because you don't want your locale to be seen as where the pussies live."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2007/may/02/communities.conservativeparty |title=Word on the street: The political thoughts of Shaun Bailey |work=The Guardian |date=20 March 2010 |access-date=2 May 2007 |location=London}}</ref>
==Career before politics== Bailey graduated at the age of 27 with a 2:2 in computer aided engineering from London South Bank University.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.obv.org.uk/our-communities/profiles/obv-profile-shaun-bailey|title=OBV Profile: Shaun Bailey {{!}} OBV|website=obv.org.uk|access-date=13 December 2018}}</ref> Previously, he worked as a Security guard at Wembley Stadium and the London Trocadero to fund his university tuition.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-44956501|title=Who's who: Tory candidates for London mayor|last=Roberts|first=Georgia|date=30 July 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=13 December 2018|language=en-GB}}</ref> He was unemployed for two years.<ref name="baileytelegraph2007">{{cite news |title=State schooling and old Labour families|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1550054/State-schooling-and-old-Labour-families.html |work= The Daily Telegraph| access-date=4 October 2018 | date=29 April 2007 | quote="I did bad, bad jobs. I basically worked sweeping factories, delivering beer and security work." }}<!-- Quote wording verified in paywalled Telegraph source --></ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/may/05/david-cameron-london-tories|title=What if David Cameron's London stars fail to shine?|last1=Hill|first1=Dave|date=5 May 2010|work=The Guardian|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref> Bailey said: "I did bad, bad jobs. I basically worked sweeping factories, delivering beer and security work".<ref name="baileytelegraph2007" /> At least 12 members of his peer group spent time in prison.<ref name="timesbailey2007" />
In May 2006, Bailey co-founded MyGeneration, a charity addressing the social problems that affect struggling young people and their families. It was established shortly before Bailey was selected by the Conservative Party to stand in the recreated Hammersmith constituency.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/former-big-society-ambassadors-charity-closes-funding-problems/finance/article/1119893|title=Former big society ambassador's charity closes because of funding problems|last=Wiggins|first=Kaye|website=thirdsector.co.uk|access-date=13 December 2018}}</ref> In 2010, ''The Times'' reported that Bailey was at the centre of allegations that his North Kensington-based charity showed £16,000 worth of spending "without any supporting records".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baldwin|first1=Tom|title=Rising stars face questions on Tory community work |url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/rising-stars-face-questions-on-tory-community-work-mclwzblsq7m |work= The Times| access-date=4 October 2018 | date=17 April 2010}}</ref> Between 2008 and 2009, almost half of the charity's expenditure was on publicity and administration, not "direct charitable expenditure". Of the £116,000 "charitable expenditure", more than half was spent on travel and subsistence. The charity was closed in 2012 due to financial problems. The charity's services were taken over by other charities including Kids Company.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Kaye |title=Former big society ambassador's charity closes because of funding problems |url=https://www.thirdsector.co.uk/former-big-society-ambassadors-charity-closes-funding-problems/finance/article/1119893 |access-date=16 September 2018 |work=Third Sector |publisher=Haymarket Media Group Ltd |date=29 February 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=McTague |first1=Tom |title=Flagship 'Big Society' charity closes... due to lack of funds |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/flagship-big-society-charity-closes-749348 |access-date=16 September 2018 |work=Daily Mirror |publisher=MGN Limited |date=2 March 2012}}</ref>
==Political career== ===Parliamentary candidate=== On 29 March 2007, Bailey was selected at an open primary to be the Conservative candidate for the newly recreated parliamentary seat of Hammersmith in West London.<ref name="cps">{{Cite web|url=http://www.cps.org.uk/newsarchive/news/?pressreleaseid=37|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070430235724/http://www.cps.org.uk/newsarchive/news/?pressreleaseid=37|url-status=dead|title=CPS Press Release|archivedate=30 April 2007}}</ref> His campaign focused on issues surrounding families and social responsibility.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.obv.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=725&Itemid=122 |title=OBV Profile: Shaun Bailey |publisher=Operation Black Vote |date=14 May 2007 |first=Samantha |last=Watson |access-date=2 May 2010}}</ref> He failed to win the seat at the 2010 general election, achieving a swing of 0.5% from Labour which was two points below the average swing across London, and lost by 3,549 votes.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/election2010/results/constituency/b98.stm |title=Election 2010 | Constituency | Hammersmith |work=BBC News |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/election2010/results/constituency/b98.stm |title=Election 2010 – Constituency – Hammersmith |publisher=BBC News |access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/election2010/results/region/3.stm |title=Election 2010 – Results – London |publisher=BBC News |access-date=21 March 2019}}</ref>
In the run-up to the 2015 general election, Bailey was unsuccessful in attempts to be chosen as the Conservative Party candidate for Kensington,<ref>{{cite web|author=Kevin Rawlinson |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/mar/14/victoria-borwick-kensington-conservative-candidate |title=Victoria Borwick selected as Conservative candidate for Kensington | Politics |work=The Guardian |date=14 March 2015 |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2015/03/victoria-borwick-selected-for-kensington.html |title=Victoria Borwick selected for Kensington |website=ConservativeHome |date=13 March 2015 |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref> Croydon South,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2013/11/exclusive-we-reveal-the-names-of-the-longlisted-candidates-in-croydon-south.html |title=Exclusive: We reveal the names of the longlisted candidates in Croydon South |website=ConservativeHome |date=1 November 2013 |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.conservativehome.com/parliament/2013/11/final-four-announced-for-croydon-south.html |title=Final four announced for Croydon South |website=ConservativeHome |date=10 November 2013 |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref> and Uxbridge South and Ruislip.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hope |first=Christopher |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/11069198/James-Cracknell-to-stand-as-a-Tory-MP.html |title=James Cracknell to stand as a Tory MP |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=1 September 2014 |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Hayes|first=Alan|url=https://www.getwestlondon.co.uk/news/local-news/former-cameron-special-adviser-running-7701348 |title=Former Cameron special adviser in the running for Uxbridge seat |work=Get West London |publisher=Reach plc |date=1 September 2014 |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref> At the 2017 general election, Bailey contested Lewisham West and Penge, where he finished in second place with 12,249 votes. His share of the vote declined by 1.1 percentage points compared with 2015, against an average decrease of 1.7 percentage points for the Conservatives across London.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000788 |title=Lewisham West & Penge parliamentary constituency – Election 2017 |work=BBC News |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last1=Hawkins|first1=Oliver|last2=Keen|first2=Richard|last3=Nakatudde|first3=Nambassa|title=Briefing Paper Number CBP7186, 28 July 2015: General Election 2015|publisher=House of Commons Library|url=http://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7186/CBP-7186.pdf}}</ref>
===Researcher=== Bailey was a Research Fellow{{when|date=October 2018}} at the Centre for Policy Studies,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cps.org.uk/whoweare/researchfellows/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070320022452/http://www.cps.org.uk/whoweare/researchfellows/|url-status=dead|title=Centre for Policy Studies Website|archivedate=20 March 2007}}</ref> writing for the Centre and for various newspapers, including the ''Evening Standard'',<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/amol-rajan-have-the-courage-to-give-up-the-war-on-drugs-8746364.html |title=The Government's given up the war on drugs |work=London Evening Standard |date=19 May 2009 |first=Shaun |last=Bailey |access-date=2 May 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100510055726/http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23694432-the-governments-given-up-the-war-on-drugs.do |archive-date=10 May 2010 }}</ref> ''the Times'',<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article3295394.ece|title=Stop and search saves lives|last=Bailey|first=Shaun|date=3 February 2008|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=2 May 2010|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022192510/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article3295394.ece|archive-date=22 October 2012}} (Archived by )</ref> and ''The Independent''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/shaun-bailey-an-entire-generation-left-out-of-the-economy-1874211.html |title=Shaun Bailey: An entire generation left out of the economy |work=The Independent |date=21 January 2010 |access-date=2 May 2010 |location=London}}</ref>
===Government adviser=== In 2011, Bailey was appointed as one of David Cameron's "Ambassadors for the Big Society".<ref name=baileycameron>{{cite news|last1=Asthana|first1=Anushka|title=If this was a social reaction, it was a social reaction to the need for Gucci jeans|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/if-this-was-a-social-reaction-it-was-a-social-reaction-to-the-need-for-gucci-jeans-lq8s85b38xd|access-date=5 October 2018|work=The Times|date=13 August 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/default.stm |title=BBC Newsnight 31 March 2011 |work=BBC News |access-date=16 September 2018}}</ref> In 2012, he became a special adviser to the Prime Minister David Cameron on youth and crime.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://update.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/LIST-APRIL.pdf |title=List of special advisers in post at 4 April 2012 |access-date=13 July 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20120818040033/https%3A//update.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/sites/default/files/resources/LIST%2DAPRIL.pdf |archive-date=18 August 2012 }}</ref> Bailey was paid a salary of £60,000 as a special adviser.<ref name="baileysalary">{{cite news|last1=Dominiczak|first1=Peter|title=Shaun Bailey, the Prime Minister's only black aide, was 'frozen out by David Cameron's clique'|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/david-cameron/10050502/Shaun-Bailey-the-Prime-Ministers-only-black-aide-was-frozen-out-by-David-Camerons-clique.html|access-date=5 October 2018|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=10 May 2013}}</ref> In 2013, he was moved to a part-time role in the Cabinet Office on a one-year contract and was paid substantially less. ''The Telegraph'' published claims he was pushed out of Downing Street by David Cameron's "clique of Old Etonian aides".<ref name="baileysalary" />
===London Assembly=== In October 2015, Bailey was selected as the third Conservative candidate on the London Assembly top-up list, after Kemi Badenoch and Andrew Boff.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.conservativehome.com/localgovernment/2015/10/conservative-candidates-chosen-for-london-assembly-top-up-list.html| title=Conservative candidates chosen for London Assembly top up list| work=ConservativeHome}}</ref> He was Deputy Leader of the Conservative Greater London Authority Group before being selected as the Conservatives' Mayoral candidate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shaun Bailey |url=https://www.glaconservatives.co.uk/shaun-bailey.html |website=GLA Conservatives |access-date=7 October 2018 }}{{Dead link|date=January 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
=== NHS Trust's Board Member === In 2018, Bailey joined Havering NHS Trust's board as part of a diversity scheme as a trainee.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/news/health/london-assembly-member-shaun-bailey-joins-havering-nhs-trust-s-board-as-part-of-innovative-diversity-scheme-1-5478686|title=London Assembly member Shaun Bailey joins Havering NHS trust's board as part of innovative diversity scheme|last1=Clemenson|first1=Matthew|date=17 April 2019|work=Romford Recorder|access-date=16 October 2018|archive-date=17 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017043010/http://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/news/health/london-assembly-member-shaun-bailey-joins-havering-nhs-trust-s-board-as-part-of-innovative-diversity-scheme-1-5478686|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== House of Lords === Bailey was nominated by Boris Johnson for a life peerage in the 2022 Prime Minister's Resignation Honours.<ref name="Partygate Sky">{{cite news|last=Rogers|first=Alexandra|title=Partygate aides among those named in Boris Johnson's resignation honours list but others miss out|website=Sky News|date=9 June 2023|language=en-gb|url=https://news.sky.com/story/partygate-aides-among-those-named-in-boris-johnsons-resignation-honours-list-but-others-miss-out-12865888|url-status=live|access-date=12 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612171359/https://news.sky.com/story/partygate-aides-among-those-named-in-boris-johnsons-resignation-honours-list-but-others-miss-out-12865888|archive-date=12 June 2023}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|date=21 July 2023|issue=64120|page=14502|supp=y}}</ref> On 10 July, he was created ''Baron Bailey of Paddington, of Paddington in the City of Westminster'',<ref>{{London Gazette|date=14 July 2023|issue=64114|page=13966}}</ref> and was introduced to the House of Lords on 18 July.<ref>{{cite Hansard|title=Introduction: Lord Bailey of Paddington|jurisdiction=Parliament of the United Kingdom|url=https://hansard.parliament.uk/Lords/2023-07-18/debates/7A201894-2635-4265-A77E-145265AC1FFB/IntroductionLordBaileyOfPaddington|house=House of Lords|date=18 July 2023|volume=831|column=2193}}</ref> He sits in the Lords for the Conservative Party.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://members.parliament.uk/member/4987/career|title=Lord Bailey of Paddington|access-date=11 July 2023}}</ref>
==2021 London mayoral election==
=== Campaign === thumb|Bailey in 2019 In 2018, Bailey was selected as the Conservative candidate for the forthcoming London mayoral election (scheduled to be held in 2020 but later postponed until 2021).<ref name="bbcmayorprofiles">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-44956501|title=London mayoral race: Conservative candidate profiles|last=Roberts|first=Georgia|date=30 July 2018|work=BBC News|access-date=28 September 2018}}</ref> The ''Evening Standard'' newspaper endorsed Bailey for the Conservative candidacy, suggesting Bailey "had been both the embodiment and standard-bearer of Tory modernisation".<ref name=baileybackingstandard>{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/evening-standard-comment-we-back-shaun-bailey-as-the-tory-mayoral-candidate-snapping-the-sevenups-a3938726.html |title=Evening Standard comment: We back Shaun Bailey |date=18 September 2018 |website=Evening Standard|language=en |access-date=18 September 2018}}</ref>
Bailey was subject to racism during the campaign on social media and in a letter posted to a Conservative party office.<ref name=baileyracism>{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/mayoral-candidate-shaun-bailey-i-will-not-be-intimidated-by-racehate-trolls-a4143791.html |title=Mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey: I will not be intimidated by race-hate trolls |date=16 May 2019 |website=Evening Standard|language=en |access-date=12 March 2020}}</ref>
Following his selection, Bailey was criticised for things he had written, said and shared on social media. He shared a tweet with an image with a caption describing Sadiq Khan, the incumbent mayor of London, as the "mad mullah of Londonistan". Bailey's spokesperson said he wouldn't have shared it if he had seen the caption.<ref>{{cite news|last=Watts|first=Joe|date=27 September 2018|title=Tory mayor candidate in Sadiq Khan Islamophobia|language=en|website=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/shaun-bailey-islamophobia-sadiq-khan-london-mayor-tory-party-conservatives-a8558521.html|access-date=3 October 2018}}</ref>
In October 2018, Bailey was accused of Islamophobia and Hinduphobia over the contents of a pamphlet entitled ''No Man's Land'', written for the Centre for Policy Studies in 2005. In it, Bailey said that celebrating Muslim and Hindu festivals "[robs] Britain of its community" and risked turning the country into a "crime riddled cesspool" as a result. He claimed that Indians "bring their culture, their country and any problems they might have, with them" but that this was not a problem within the black community "because we've shared a religion and in many cases a language".<ref>{{cite news|date=3 October 2018|title=Tory London mayoral candidate claimed celebrating Hindu and Muslim festivals has turned Britain into 'cesspool of crime'|website=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/conservative-london-candidate-mayor-shaun-bailey-hindu-muslim-festival-crime-a8566341.html|access-date=3 February 2019}}</ref> In the pamphlet, Bailey confused the Hindu religion and the Hindi language: "You don't know what to do. You bring your children to school and they learn far more about Diwali than Christmas. I speak to the people who are from Brent and they've been having Muslim and Hindi <small>(sic)</small> days off".<ref name="Sonwalkar">{{cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/anti-hindu-muslim-views-return-to-haunt-london-mayor-candidate-shaun-bailey/story-woCY6o4owDF4Yp9lnOxNBM.html|title=Anti-Hindu, Muslim views return to haunt London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey|last=Sonwalkar|first=Prasun|date=4 October 2018|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref> James Cleverly, then the deputy chair of the Conservative Party, said that Bailey had been misunderstood and would not be sanctioned.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sabbagh|first=Dan|date=4 October 2018|title=Tory deputy chairman admits concerns about Shaun Bailey remarks|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/oct/04/tory-concerns-shaun-bailey-remarks-london-mayoral-race|access-date=4 October 2018|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>
In June 2020, following poor polling figures against current-Mayor Sadiq Khan, the ''Financial Times'' reported that some senior Conservatives wished to replace Bailey with another candidate such as Sajid Javid.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Payne|first1=Sebastian|last2=Parker|first2=George|date=9 June 2020|title=Conservative doubts grow over candidate for London mayor|url=https://www.ft.com/content/bb338828-69b7-48e5-af4e-a177adf15c0c|access-date=15 January 2021|work=Financial Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=9 June 2020|title=Senior Tory figures trying to oust mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey|url=https://www.cityam.com/senior-tory-figures-trying-to-oust-mayoral-candidate-shaun-bailey/|access-date=15 January 2021|website=CityAM|language=en-GB}}</ref> This was dismissed by ministers<ref>{{Cite web|date=10 June 2020|title=Shaun Bailey will not be replaced as Tory London mayor candidate, says minister|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/shaun-bailey-london-mayor-election-tory-sajid-javid-sadiq-khan-polls-latest-a9558286.html|access-date=15 January 2021|website=The Independent|language=en}}</ref> and other senior Tories, with Bailey criticising those in the Conservative Party who sought to replace him as the candidate,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Swinford|first=Steven|date=10 June 2020|title=Tory plot to oust London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey|language=en|work=The Times|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/tory-plot-to-oust-london-mayor-candidate-shaun-bailey-50l039mtc|access-date=15 January 2021|issn=0140-0460}}</ref> and stating that he had the personal backing of Prime Minister Boris Johnson.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Johnston|first=John|date=21 June 2020|title=Shaun Bailey claims he has Boris Johnson's personal backing after rumours of plot to oust him as London Mayor candidate|url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/shaun-bailey-claims-boris-johnson-gave-him-his-personal-backing-as-london-mayor-candidate-after-tory-coup-plot|access-date=15 January 2021|website=Politics Home|language=en}}</ref>
In early March 2021, Bailey was accused of politicising the disappearance of a 33-year-old woman in Clapham, given that the police investigation was still ongoing.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bailey|first=Shaun|date=10 March 2021|title=As a father and husband it breaks me to think that my wife and daughter have to live in fear in their own city. It doesn't have to be this way. As Mayor, I'll ensure that we are working to deliver for the safety of women and girls in London.|url=https://twitter.com/shaunbaileyuk/status/1369662807759847430|access-date=11 March 2021|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=O'Mahony|first=Daniel|date=10 March 2021|title=Tory mayoral candidate accused of politicising Sarah Everard case|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/shaun-bailey-politicising-sarah-everard-case-b923395.html|access-date=10 March 2021|website=Evening Standard|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=Heffer|first=Greg|date=10 March 2021|title=Sarah Everard: Conservative mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey accused of 'politicising' case|url=https://news.sky.com/story/sarah-everard-conservative-mayoral-candidate-shaun-bailey-accused-of-politicising-case-12242004|access-date=10 March 2021|website=Sky News|language=en}}</ref> Liberal Democrat mayoral candidate Luisa Porritt called the comments "utterly grotesque",<ref>{{Cite web|last=Porritt|first=Luisa|date=10 March 2021|title=I find it utterly grotesque that @ShaunBaileyUK is politicising the disappearance of a young woman. Her disappearance has nothing to do with his campaign and he should apologise immediately. My thoughts are with Sarah Everard and her loved ones today.|url=https://twitter.com/luisaporritt/status/1369683058018951175|access-date=10 March 2021|website=Twitter|language=en}}</ref> with Labour MPs calling his comments "shameless".<ref name=":0" /> In an interview, Minister for London Paul Scully defended Bailey's comments, with Bailey also stating that he didn't regret the tweet during an interview on LBC.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sleigh|first=Sophia|date=11 March 2021|title=Minister stands by Shaun Bailey after comments on Sarah Everard case|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/paul-scully-defends-shaun-bailey-comments-sarah-everard-b923460.html|access-date=11 March 2021|website=standard.co.uk|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Forrest|first=Adam|date=11 March 2021|title=Tories defend Shaun Bailey after mayoral candidate accused of 'politicising' Sarah Everard case|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/sarah-everard-shaun-bailey-tweet-london-b1815659.html|access-date=11 March 2021|website=The Independent}}</ref>
In mid March 2021, the ''Daily Mirror'' alleged that the Conservative Party had withdrawn campaign funding, noting the lack of funds raised by the campaign itself.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|last=Crerar|first=Pippa|date=16 March 2021|title=Tory chiefs 'pull plug' on funding for Shaun Bailey's London mayor campaign|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/tory-chiefs-pull-plug-funding-23740880|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Daily Mirror|language=en|quote=The Mirror understands that Conservative Central Office has decided to cancel credit lines for their candidate's bid for City Hall.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=17 March 2021|title=Tories 'cut funding lines' to London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/shaun-bailey-tory-candidate-mayor-london-funding-b1818306.html|access-date=18 March 2021|website=The Independent|language=en}}</ref> Bailey's campaign denied the story, stating it was "fictional" and "hearsay".<ref name=":3" />
=== Mayoral policies === Throughout 2020 and 2021, Bailey's mayoral campaign outlined several policies including:<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Shaun Bailey's Plans for London|url=https://www.shaunbailey.uk/shaun-baileys-plan-for-london|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Shaun Bailey}}</ref>
* An increase in the size of the Metropolitan Police to 40,000 officers and the introduction of new 'stop and scan' technology that will use thermal imaging in knife crime hotspots.<ref name="baileypolicy40k">{{cite web |url=https://www.itv.com/news/london/2020-02-28/shaun-bailey-vows-to-increase-police-officers-to-40-000-paid-for-by-hotel-tax-if-elected-as-london-mayor |title=Shaun Bailey vows to increase police officers to 40,000 paid for by hotel tax if elected as London Mayor |date=28 February 2020 |website=Evening Standard|language=en |access-date=13 July 2020}}</ref> * A reverse in the increase in the Congestion Charge to £15,<ref name="baileycongestion">{{cite web |url= https://www.cityam.com/londoners-back-bailey-pledge-to-reverse-congestion-charge/ |title= Londoners back Bailey pledge to reverse congestion charge |date=23 June 2020 |website=City AM|language=en |access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> and stopping the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone.<ref name=":1" /> * A taxpayer-owned housebuilding organisation controlled by the Mayor<ref name="baileyhousing">{{cite web |url= https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/tory-mayoral-hopeful-shaun-bailey-proposes-new-organisation-to-deliver-big-bang-on-housing-a4192046.html |title= Tory mayoral hopeful Shaun Bailey proposes new organisation to deliver 'Big Bang' on housing. |date=17 July 2020 |website=Evening Standard|language=en |access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> and funding 100,000 shared ownership homes to be sold for £100,000.<ref name=":2" /> * A London Infrastructure Bank to fund Crossrail 2 and other infrastructure including Hammersmith Bridge and Tube upgrades.<ref>{{Cite news|date=16 February 2021|title=Shaun Bailey reveals London Infrastructure Bank plans|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-london-56086775|access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref> * Plans to make every London bus electric by the end of a second term.<ref name="baileybuses">{{cite web |url= https://www.cityam.com/shaun-bailey-pledges-to-make-every-red-bus-electric-if-he-becomes-london-mayor/ |title= Shaun Bailey pledges to make every red bus electric if he becomes London mayor |date=15 August 2019 |website=City AM|language=en |access-date=19 July 2020}}</ref> * To install CCTV on the Bakerloo, Central and Piccadilly London Underground lines in an effort to improve women's safety.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 March 2021|title=Shaun Bailey pledges CCTV roll-out across London's public transport to improve women's safety|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/mayor/shaun-bailey-pledge-cctv-public-transport-improve-women-s-safety-b925160.html}}</ref> * To recruit 4,000 new youth workers and open 32 new youth centres, one for every London borough.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 April 2021|title=Tory mayor hopeful vows to open 32 new youth centres to help cut crime in London|url=https://metro.co.uk/2021/04/06/tory-mayor-hopeful-vows-to-open-32-new-youth-centres-to-help-cut-crime-in-london-14359595/}}</ref>
In August 2020, he announced he would encourage larger businesses in London to drug-test employees in an effort to reduce drug consumption and crime.<ref name="Wood 2020">{{cite web | last=Wood | first=Vincent | title=Tory candidate for London mayor wants firms to do random drug tests and publish results | website=The Independent | date=23 August 2020 | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/london-mayor-conservative-shaun-bailey-sadiq-khan-drug-test-crime-a9684356.html | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref><ref name="Heren 2020">{{cite web | last=Heren | first=Kit | title=London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey wants firms to test staff for drugs to help stamp out gang violence | website=Evening Standard | date=23 August 2020 | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/shaun-bailey-london-mayor-firm-drug-test-staff-a4531351.html | access-date=24 August 2020}}</ref>
In September 2020, Bailey proposed that companies should be able to pay to rename tube lines and stations with commercial brand names.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.guardian-series.co.uk/news/18736904.shaun-bailey-rename-tube-stations-raise-cash-tfl/|title=Shaun Bailey: Rename Tube stations to raise cash for TfL|last=Mathewson|first=Jessie|date=22 September 2020|access-date=22 September 2020|work=East London and West Essex Guardian}}</ref> Bailey stated that funds so raised could be used to pay for under-18s and over-60s free travel.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Wood|first=Poppy|date=27 October 2020|title=Shaun Bailey vows to restore free travel for pensioners in London mayor bid|url=https://www.cityam.com/shaun-bailey-vows-to-restore-free-travel-for-pensioners-in-london-mayor-bid/|access-date=18 March 2021|website=CityAM|language=en-GB}}</ref>
In November 2020, Bailey pledged to fund 100,000 shared ownership 'millennial' homes to be sold at £100,000 each. These would be available for first time buyers under 40, who would be able to pay a deposit of just £5,000.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|date=22 November 2020|title=Tory mayor candidate vows to build 100,000 homes for young Londoners|url=https://www.cityam.com/tory-mayoral-candidate-pledges-to-build-100000-homes-for-young-londoners/|access-date=15 January 2021|website=CityAM|language=en-GB}}</ref> In January 2021, Bailey was criticised for suggesting in an interview with ''Inside Housing'' that homeless people would be able to save for this £5,000 deposit to purchase an affordable home.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Apps|first=Peter|date=13 January 2021|title=Shaun Bailey's pitch to London|url=https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/insight/insight/shaun-baileys-pitch-to-london-69057|access-date=15 January 2021|website=Inside Housing|language=En}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=da Silva |first=Chantal |author-link=Chantal Da Silva |date=14 January 2021 |title=Tory London mayoral candidate admonished over 'bonkers' claim that homeless should save up for house deposit |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/shaun-bailey-london-mayor-election-homeless-housing-b1787186.html |access-date=14 January 2021 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Butler|first=Patrick|date=13 January 2021|title=Tory London mayoral candidate: homeless can save for house deposit|url=http://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/jan/13/tory-london-mayor-candidate-homeless-can-save-up-for-house-deposit|access-date=14 January 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref>
=== Results === Bailey received 893,051 first preference votes (35%) in the election.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=8 May 2021|title=Sadiq Khan reelected as London mayor for second term|url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/may/08/sadiq-khan-london-mayor-second-term-labour-shaun-bailey-conservatives|access-date=8 May 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> In a run-off against Sadiq Khan, he received a total of 977,601 votes (45%) when second preferences were included.<ref name=":4" /> Accordingly Sadiq Khan was re-elected Mayor of London although the result was tighter than earlier polls had predicted.<ref name=":4" />
==Political views== Bailey has expressed concerns about liberalism, saying "the more liberal we have been, the more our communities have suffered".<ref name="guardian2007"/> Bailey has accused the BBC's output as being biased and went on to suggest the BBC "sees itself as propagandist for liberal values", and that the licence fee should be split with other broadcasters.<ref name="Marsh 2012 p.116">{{cite book | last=Marsh | first=John | title=The liberal delusion : the roots of our current moral crisis | publisher=Arena Books | publication-place=Bury St. Edmunds | year=2012 | isbn=978-1-906791-99-5 | oclc=805020529 | page=116}}</ref>
Bailey supported leaving the European Union in the 2016 EU Referendum.<ref name=standardbaileybrexit>{{cite web |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/tories-choose-shaun-bailey-for-mayoral-candidate-to-take-on-sadiq-khan-a3948091.html |title=Tories choose Shaun Bailey for mayoral candidate to take on Sadiq Khan|last=Procter|first=Kate|date=28 September 2018 |language=en |access-date=13 January 2021}}</ref>
In 2006, Bailey said "by giving children condoms and the amount of sexual material they are exposed to you normalise sex and they feel it is their divine right to have it, when actually it is not", and added "that is one of the things that drives their self-esteem up or down and leads to crime". It was later clarified that Bailey had not tried to suggest that access to abortions and contraceptive services had directly led to crime, however early sexual activity was a contributing factor to increased crime.<ref>{{Cite news |last= Bienkov|first= Adam|date = 11 October 2018 |title = Conservative mayor candidate Shaun Bailey: Condoms 'normalise sex' and push young people into crime |url = https://www.businessinsider.com/shaun-bailey-conservatives-teenagers-condoms-normalises-sex-and-leads-to-crime-sadiq-khan-2018-10 |work = Business Insider |access-date = 21 October 2018 }}</ref><ref name="Sabbagh 2019">{{cite web | title=Tory London mayor candidate accused of 'worst kind of misogyny' | website=The Guardian | date=7 January 2019 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/jan/07/shaun-bailey-accused-of-worst-kind-of-casual-sexism-and-misogyny-2007-interview-abortion | access-date=25 August 2020 | last=Sabbagh | first=Dan}}</ref>
Bailey has said that children are using abortion services as contraception and has favoured reducing the time limit from 24 weeks to 22 weeks.<ref name=baileyabortion>{{cite news|last=Elgot|first=Jessica|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/oct/12/shaun-bailey-said-children-used-abortion-as-contraception|title=London mayoral candidate said children used abortion as contraception|work=The Guardian |date=12 October 2018 |access-date=13 October 2018 |location=London}}</ref>
In an article in ''The Daily Telegraph'' in 2006, Bailey claimed that single mothers deliberately become pregnant in order to gain benefits, saying that they "won't be too careful about not becoming parents. In some cases, they will deliberately become pregnant – as they know that if they do, they will get a flat".<ref name="Bienkov 2018">{{cite web | last=Bienkov | first=Adam | title=Conservative mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey: Single mums 'deliberately become pregnant' for benefits | website=Business Insider | date=7 October 2018 | url=https://www.businessinsider.com/conservative-london-mayoral-candidate-shaun-bailey-inner-city-girls-deliberately-get-pregnant-for-benefits-2018-10 | access-date=25 August 2020}}</ref><ref name="Bailey 2006">{{cite web | last=Bailey | first=Shaun | title=The reason our streets are so violent | website=Telegraph.co.uk | date=19 January 2006 | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/personal-view/3622424/The-reason-our-streets-are-so-violent.html | access-date=25 August 2020}}</ref> At an event at a Conservative party conference in 2008, he repeated these claims, saying that "Girls getting knocked up to get housing? It's a cottage industry where I come from."<ref name="Savage 2018">{{cite web | title=Tory pick for London mayor under fire for remarks on benefits | website=The Observer | date=7 October 2018 | url=http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/oct/07/shaun-bailey-london-mayor-tory-under-fire-benefits-remarks | access-date=25 August 2020 | last=Savage | first=Michael}}</ref><ref name="Nelson 2008">{{cite web | last=Nelson | first=Fraser | title=Tackling the giant evil of idleness | website=The Spectator | date=7 December 2008 | url=https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/tackling-the-giant-evil-of-idleness | access-date=25 August 2020}}</ref>
Bailey has argued in support of allowing the police to have greater use of stop and search powers.<ref name="Bailey 2008">{{cite news | last=Bailey | first=Shaun | title=Stop and search saves lives | website=The Sunday Times | date=3 February 2008 | url=https://www.thetimes.com/best-law-firms/profile-legal/article/stop-and-search-saves-lives-00cdq7v2clz | access-date=25 August 2020}}</ref><ref name="Busel 2020">{{cite web |last1=Busel |first1=Daisy |title=Shaun Bailey promises 'tough and tender' approach to crime |url=https://talkradio.co.uk/news/shaun-bailey-promises-tough-and-tender-approach-crime-20022533022 |website=TalkRadio |access-date=25 August 2020 |date=25 February 2020}}</ref>
Bailey has stated his support for greater equality for black people. Speaking about the Black Lives Matter movement, Bailey commented that the movement "made everybody feel they are racist and actually very few people are."<ref name="Shipman 2020">{{cite news | last=Shipman | first=Tim | title=Shaun Bailey: office tests could stop 'polite' cocaine use | website=The Sunday Times | date=23 August 2020 | url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/shaun-bailey-office-tests-could-stop-polite-cocaine-use-xvcfq0qj9 | access-date=26 August 2020}}</ref> Prior to Black Lives Matter protests that occurred in London in 2020 taking place, he argued that they should be allowed to happen, because otherwise the tension behind such protests "will just spill out into the summer and be very tough for the police".<ref name="Sky News 2020">{{cite web | title=George Floyd death: Black Lives Matter protests 'absolutely need to go ahead', says Shaun Bailey | website=Sky News | date=6 June 2020 | url=https://news.sky.com/story/george-floyd-death-black-lives-matter-protests-absolutely-need-to-go-ahead-says-shaun-bailey-12001501 | access-date=26 August 2020}}</ref>
In 2021, Bailey opposed a review of statues and street names in London pledged by incumbent mayor Sadiq Khan, arguing that removing controversial statues does not change history. He instead argued that the review of place names and statues should be subject to citizen-led initiatives or that controversial statues should be placed in museums or have a plaque explaining the history behind the figure.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2020/07/02/shaun-bailey-pledges-drop-ridiculous-statue-review-first-day/|title = Shaun Bailey pledges to drop 'ridiculous' statue review on first day as London mayor|newspaper = The Telegraph|date = 2 July 2020|last1 = Jones|first1 = Amy|last2 = Pearson|first2 = Allison}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/mayor/london-elections-2021-tory-shaun-bailey-40000-police-100-day-crime-plan-b930407.html|title = Tory candidate Shaun Bailey vows: 40,000 police, crime cut in 100 days|date = 19 April 2021}}</ref>
== Allegations and accusations ==
=== Alleged breaking of COVID-19 restrictions === In December 2021, ''The Times'' reported that Bailey, as the party's London mayoral candidate, attended a gathering on 14 December 2020 in the basement of the Conservatives' Westminster HQ, with four aides seconded from Conservative Campaign Headquarters. This was alleged to be in contravention of tier 2 coronavirus restrictions which were in place at the time. It was reported that Bailey was given a Lego set by a Conservative donor. Bailey was not disciplined, but his four aides were.<ref name=":5">{{cite news|last=Swinford|first=Steven|date=9 December 2021|title=Christmas party row: Tories held 'up to seven' parties in lockdown|work=The Times|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/no10-christmas-party-wine-gifts-quizzes-boris-johnson-allegra-stratton-vdbpghr52|access-date=9 September 2021|via=thetimes.co.uk}}</ref>
On 14 December 2021, ''The Daily Mirror'' published a photograph of the gathering, revealing that property developer Nick Candy was also present. The picture also showed guests wearing party hats and that alcoholic beverages and a buffet were available to guests.<ref name=":6">{{cite news |last=Crerar |first=Pippa |date=14 December 2021 |title=Extraordinary image shows 'raucous' Xmas party thrown by Tory aides in lockdown breach |work=The Daily Mirror |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/extraordinary-image-shows-raucous-xmas-25699183 |access-date=14 September 2021 |via=}}</ref> Following the release of the photograph, Bailey resigned from his position as chair of the London Assembly's police and crime committee.
On 11 January 2022, Bailey resigned as chair of a second London Assembly committee, the economy committee, in addition to his resignation from the police and crime committee in December.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-59950101|title=Conservative Christmas party: Shaun Bailey quits second role|work=BBC News|date=11 January 2022|access-date=12 January 2022}}</ref>
On 11 November 2022, the police decided to take no action against Bailey, and all others in attendance at the gathering, citing insufficient evidence<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 November 2022 |title=Covid lockdown: No police action over Shaun Bailey Tory event |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-63596886 |access-date=11 November 2022}}</ref>
On 18 June 2023, the Mirror released previously unseen video recordings of the above event.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 June 2023 |title=First ever Partygate video revealed as Tories drink, dance and laugh at Covid rules |work=The Mirror |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/first-ever-partygate-video-revealed-30259486.amp |access-date=18 June 2023}}</ref> On 4 July 2023, the police announced that they would be re-opening their investigation into the gathering as a result of this new evidence.<ref name="bbc4jul2023">{{cite news |date=4 July 2023 |title=Partygate: Police reopen investigation into Tory 'jingle and mingle' event |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-66103922 |access-date=4 July 2023}}</ref>
=== Islamophobia and Hinduphobia accusations === {{see also|Islamophobia in the British Conservative Party}} Bailey has been accused of Islamophobia and Hinduphobia. In October 2018, it was reported that he had written a pamphlet, entitled ''No Man's Land'', for the Centre for Policy Studies. In it, he said "You bring your children to school and they learn far more about [the Hindu festival of] Diwali than Christmas. I speak to the people who are from Brent and they've been having Muslim and Hindi (sic) days off. What it does is rob Britain of its community. Without our community we slip into a crime-riddled cesspool." He also claimed that South Asians "bring their culture, their country and any problems they might have, with them" and that this was not a problem within the black community "because we've shared a religion and in many cases a language".<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 October 2018|title=Tory London mayoral candidate claimed celebrating Hindu and Muslim festivals has turned Britain into 'cesspool of crime'|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/conservative-london-candidate-mayor-shaun-bailey-hindu-muslim-festival-crime-a8566341.html|access-date=12 January 2021|website=The Independent}}</ref> In the pamphlet, Bailey confused the Hindu religion with the Hindi language.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sonwalkar|first=Prasun|date=4 October 2018|title=Anti-Hindu, Muslim views return to haunt London mayor candidate Shaun Bailey|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/anti-hindu-muslim-views-return-to-haunt-london-mayor-candidate-shaun-bailey/story-woCY6o4owDF4Yp9lnOxNBM.html|access-date=4 October 2018|website=Hindustan Times}}</ref>
The Conservative Party Deputy Chairman, James Cleverly, defended Bailey and insisted that he was being misunderstood, and he implied that black boys were drifting into crime as a result of learning more about other faiths rather than learning about "their own Christian culture".<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sabbagh|first=Dan|date=4 October 2018|title=Tory deputy chairman admits concerns about Shaun Bailey remarks|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/oct/04/tory-concerns-shaun-bailey-remarks-london-mayoral-race|access-date=4 October 2018|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> However, the anti-racism Hope not Hate campaign group called Bailey's comments "grotesque".<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 October 2018|title=Tory London mayor candidate's comments 'Islamophobic'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-45734837|access-date=4 October 2018|website=BBC News}}</ref>
=== Misogyny accusations === Bailey has been accused of misogyny after he suggested on the GB News television channel that it was not possible for a woman to be a serious political commentator while at the same time posting flattering photographs on social media.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 January 2024|title=Carol Vorderman hits out at Shaun Bailey's 'sexist' comments about her|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2024/jan/03/carol-vorderman-shaun-bailey-comments-instagram-gb-news|access-date=3 January 2024|website=The Guardian}}</ref> The subject of his comments, Carol Vorderman, had been previously critical of Bailey's elevation to the House of Lords despite his involvement in the 'Partygate' scandal.<ref>{{Cite web|date=19 June 2023|title=Carol Vorderman says 'nothing has disgusted me more' and admits 'I'm not proud'|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/showbiz-tv/carol-vorderman-says-nothing-disgusted-27155775|access-date=3 January 2024|website=Birmingham Live}}</ref>
==Personal life== Bailey grew up in social housing with his Jamaican mother, grandfather, grandmother, two aunts, and two uncles. His extended family lived on the same estate in Ladbroke Grove.<ref name=baileytelegraph2007/><ref name=timesbailey2007/> Following selection as Conservative's PPC for Hammersmith in 2007, Bailey and his immediate family moved out of social housing and Bailey at the time said "the mice and damp got a bit much".<ref name="timesbailey2007">{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/england/london-travel/not-your-average-tory-candidate-lztv65pcld3|title=Not your average Tory candidate |last=Oakeshott|first=Isabel|date=8 April 2007|work=The Sunday Times|access-date=7 October 2018}}</ref> He lives in a house owned jointly with a housing association.<ref name="telegraphinterview2008">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/3111375/Interview-Shaun-Bailey-hes-black-hes-tough-and-hes-a-Tory.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505053108/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/politics/conservative/3111375/Interview-Shaun-Bailey-hes-black-hes-tough-and-hes-a-Tory.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 May 2013|title=Interview: Shaun Bailey – he's black, he's tough, and he's a Tory|last=Tweedie|first=Neil|date=30 September 2008|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=2 May 2010|location=London}}</ref> He and his wife Ellie have two children together.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/wouldbe-tory-mayor-shaun-bailey-only-my-zero-tolerance-approach-can-halt-london-crimewave-a3932761.html|title=Would-be Tory mayor Shaun Bailey: Only my zero tolerance approach can halt London crimewave |last=Murphy|first=Joe|date=11 September 2018|work=Evening Standard|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref><ref name="baileystandardghetto">{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/i-m-not-a-token-ghetto-boy-i-want-to-be-the-prime-minister-a3701211.html|title=I'm not a 'token ghetto boy', says Shaun Bailey, I want to be the Prime Minister |last=Butter|first=Susannah|date=24 November 2017|work=Evening Standard|access-date=4 October 2018}}</ref>
Bailey attends an Anglican church.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/antisemitism-row-breaks-out-as-sadiq-khan-dismisses-accusation-1.469685|title=Antisemitism row breaks out as Sadiq Khan dismisses accusation he's 'doing next to nothing'|last=Harpin|first=Lee|date=12 September 2018|work=The Jewish Chronicle|access-date=13 October 2018}}</ref><ref name="telegraphinterview2008" />
Bailey has also made a regular appearance on GB News, particularly for the 9 pm programme ''Dan Wootton Tonight'' hosted by Dan Wootton.{{Citation needed|date=April 2022}}
==Publications== * [http://parliamentstreet.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Smart-Government-chap3.pdf?5ffafb Bailey S and Najjar N, 'Time for a Dose of Euro-Realism', ''Smart Government, 2015''] * {{cite web|last1=Bailey|first1=Shaun|title=No Man's Land|url=http://www.cps.org.uk/files/reports/original/111028105425-NoMansLand.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120023931/http://www.cps.org.uk/files/reports/original/111028105425-NoMansLand.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=20 January 2016|website=Centre for Policy Studies|access-date=3 October 2018|date=November 2005}}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category}} *[https://www.shaunforlondon.uk Shaun Bailey for London] – campaign website *[https://www.london.gov.uk/who-we-are/what-london-assembly-does/london-assembly-members/shaun-bailey The Lord Bailey of Paddington] at the London Assembly *[https://members.parliament.uk/member/4987/contact Profile] at UK Parliament
{{s-start}} {{s-prec|uk}} {{s-bef|before=The Lord Gascoigne}} {{s-ttl|title=Gentlemen'''<br />''Baron Bailey of Paddington'' '''}} {{s-fol|after=The Lord Kempsell}} {{s-end}} {{Current London Assembly members}} {{British special advisers}}
{{authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bailey of Paddington, Shaun Bailey, Baron}} Category:1971 births Category:Alumni of London South Bank University Category:Black British nobility Category:21st-century British nobility Category:Black British politicians Category:British special advisers Category:Conservative Party (UK) officials Category:Conservative Party (UK) parliamentary candidates Category:Conservative Party (UK) life peers Category:Conservative Members of the London Assembly Category:21st-century English male writers Category:English people of Jamaican descent Category:Living people Category:Partygate scandal Category:People from North Kensington Category:British Anglicans Category:Life peers created by Charles III Category:London AMs 2016–2021 Category:London AMs 2021–2024 Category:London AMs 2024–2028 Category:21st-century English writers