A Syrian man has offered to host Rory Stewart at his house in London, after the Mayor of London candidate unveiled on Tuesday an unorthodox campaign tactic to stay on people’s sofas to learn more about the city.
The scheme, called #ComeKipWithMe, involves Mr Stewart staying on someone’s sofa or floor for the night so he can listen to their concerns about the British capital.
In a video he posted on Twitter, Mr Stewart promised to “bring a sleeping bag, and a box of chocolate” for his hosts. He told Sky News on Wednesday that he has already had more than 1,000 requests to host him.
Writing on Twitter on Wednesday, Hassan Akkad offered the former Conservative MP a place to stay for “a night or two”.
"Salam @RoryStewartUK – my partner and I just signed up to host you for a night or two to chat about all things London. Hope you accept our invite. Expect a massive Syrian breakfast in the morning," he wrote.
Mr Stewart quickly replied the next day, saying he was very excited at the idea of a Syrian breakfast.
London’s mayoral election is slated for May 7. Mr Stewart, who is running as an independent, is up against current Labour mayor Sadiq Khan, who is favourite to win. Mr Khan is also London’s first Muslim mayor.
Second in the polls is Shaun Bailey, a former youth worker, running for the Conservative party. Siobhan Benita of the Liberal Democrats and Sian Berry of the Green party are also in the running.