Hill-Lewis: I have been approached by members to stand for DA leader

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis has confirmed that he has been approached by members of the Democratic Alliance to stand for the party’s federal leadership, following John Steenhuisen’s announcement that he will step aside. “After John Steenhuisen’s announcement yesterday, I have been approached by many party members to stand for the position of Federal Leader,” Hill-Lewis said. He cautioned, however, that the DA’s internal campaign rules prohibit public campaigning until the formal nomination period opens later this month.

“That will happen later this month, which is when I will announce my intentions. “Whatever is decided, I will remain committed to stand for a second term as the Mayor of Cape Town. It is the DA’s biggest government and our strongest platform as we head into the local elections.” Media attention on Hill-Lewis intensified on Thursday as journalists anticipated clarity on whether the DA would confirm its mayoral candidate for the City of Cape Town, amid speculation that his future role within the party could influence the process. Instead, the DA used the occasion to announce the first tranche of mayoral candidates across the Western Cape.