This article originally appeared on Shaun Bailey's website. Shaun is a London wide GLA Member and the 2021 Conservative Mayoral candidate.

Tory mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey has pledged to introduce a “tourist tax” to boost police numbers.

Mr Bailey, who will take on Mayor Sadiq Khan in the 2020 election, said he would raise an extra £48 million a year by introducing a one per cent “London visitor levy”.

It would apply to all foreign bookings into hotels and charge about £1.32 per night for four-star accommodation.

He said the money raised would help train an extra 400 police officers.

Mr Bailey would first have to petition central government to grant London the powers to impose such a levy.

There has already been support for a levy in London including from the current Mayor Mr Khan.

Westminster and Camden councils last year revealed they were in the early stages of discussions about a tourist tax.