candidacy

Among the Democratic soul-searching, Harris' candidacy is often disparaged, her weaknesses as a leader pinpointed as the reasons for her defeat, not just the last-minute nature of Biden's decision.

"Mamdani has relentlessly focused on addressing the affordability crisis and explicitly committed to being a mayor for all New Yorkers, including those who do not support his candidacy," the leading Democrat said.

"They want to convict me so that in October 2026, when it's time to register for re-election or any other candidacy, I'm disqualified," he claimed.

Largely agreeing on policy, they sought to contrast their candidacies by highlighting their elected experience and life stories.

Meanwhile, the BBC has been told former senior social worker Annie Hudson, who had been named as a potential chair of the inquiry, has withdrawn following recent media coverage over her candidacy.