Will Hill-Lewis pursue DA leadership as Western Cape mayoral candidates are unveiled?

Democratic Alliance leader John Steenhuisen and Western Cape provincial leader Tertius Simmers address the media in Cape Town following the announcement of the party’s first tranche of Western Cape mayoral candidates. 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,” he said. Hill-Lewis emphasised that, regardless of the outcome of the leadership process, he remained committed to seeking a second term as mayor of Cape Town.

“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,” he said.