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Sir Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London

Ronaldo7

Ronaldo7

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Sadiq Khan is the current mayor of London. Born and Bred in England but has a pakistani descent, and is a Muslim.
But Imo he may be suitable for the role of being the leader of the labour party in the near future.
Corbyn has a very high chance of becoming the next PM of England and I see Sadiq Khan as his successor.
But will he able to get the vote of the British public?
Most british people won't like a Muslim as their PM so how likely is it that in the near future (2030ish), sadiq khan may be the next PM of Great Britain?
 
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Ronaldo7 said:
Sadiq Khan is the current mayor of London. Born and Bred in England but has a pakistani descent, and is a Muslim.
But Imo he may be suitable for the role of being the leader of the labour party in the near future.
Corbyn has a very high chance of becoming the next PM of England and I see Sadiq Khan as his successor.
But will he able to get the vote of the British public?
Most british people won't like a Muslim as their PM so how likely is it that in the near future (2030ish), sadiq khan may be the next PM of Great Britain?
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Firstly, Corbyn has no chance, he is far too left wing for the majority of Labour supports, never mind the country as a whole. As far as SK is concerned, he is of the soft loft but what Labour need is someone like Gordon Brown, and I dare say if he came back today, they would wipe the floor with the Tories.
 
Ronaldo7 said:
Sadiq Khan is the current mayor of London. Born and Bred in England but has a pakistani descent, and is a Muslim.
But Imo he may be suitable for the role of being the leader of the labour party in the near future.
Corbyn has a very high chance of becoming the next PM of England and I see Sadiq Khan as his successor.
But will he able to get the vote of the British public?
Most british people won't like a Muslim as their PM so how likely is it that in the near future (2030ish), sadiq khan may be the next PM of Great Britain?
Click to expand...


Sadiq is too moderate for Labour these days. Also he has lost support in London and to become Labour leader would have to get a seat somewhere, and might not even get selected by a Momentum-dominated CLP.

Another left leader will emerge when Corbyn finally gets the message. I would suggest Starmer but he won't be able to command the left so expect Rebecca Long-Bailey is next. It's sad as all I can see is Tory government for a long time.
 
no.

livingstone did a fair bit for poorer people to access public transport and he brought in the congestion charge, under him oysters got standardised and he did a fair bit to support bringing the olympics to london.

boris was a pr spectacle but banning alcohol on public transport was a good move and boris bikes proved to be a big visible success.

sadiq has put all his eggs in the ulez basket, cant think of anything else hes proposed or done really. he needs something else to fall back on in terms of increasing his electability.

the green message alone wont be enough, hes labour so he'll get a second term as mayor anyway but londons voting demographic is very different to the rest of the country.
 
Bewal Express said:
Firstly, Corbyn has no chance, he is far too left wing for the majority of Labour supports, never mind the country as a whole. As far as SK is concerned, he is of the soft loft but what Labour need is someone like Gordon Brown, and I dare say if he came back today, they would wipe the floor with the Tories.
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I'm basing that from the odds made by the bookies. The bookies have him as a HEAVY favourite for the next election
 
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ElRaja said:
no.

livingstone did a fair bit for poorer people to access public transport and he brought in the congestion charge, under him oysters got standardised and he did a fair bit to support bringing the olympics to london.

boris was a pr spectacle but banning alcohol on public transport was a good move and boris bikes proved to be a big visible success.

sadiq has put all his eggs in the ulez basket, cant think of anything else hes proposed or done really. he needs something else to fall back on in terms of increasing his electability.

the green message alone wont be enough, hes labour so he'll get a second term as mayor anyway but londons voting demographic is very different to the rest of the country.
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That is very true
It's seems like he doesn't know what else he can do.

As for the demographics, that's also a very good point. There's an overwhelming Asian population in London
 
Ronaldo7 said:
That is very true
It's seems like he doesn't know what else he can do.

As for the demographics, that's also a very good point. There's an overwhelming Asian population in London
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Wiki says it's about 18%. London is 13% Black, 45% White British and 15% White Other (mainly Poles, Baltics and former Yugo I guess.)
 
Ronaldo7 said:
That is very true
It's seems like he doesn't know what else he can do.

As for the demographics, that's also a very good point. There's an overwhelming Asian population in London
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i was talking more about voting intention than race, but since you bring it up, my two cents are below...

not just asian, most Londoner's are fairly race agnostic, the older generation (regardless of race) have some hangups but younger Londoner's live around all races all the time, so the race of the candidate is really not important.

literally everyone i knew voted on party lines, its just that most Asians are labour supporters anyway, they would have voted labour regardless, and i dont think many asians would have voted for a asian tory mayor candidate.

also asian is a too general term, for those who vote on racial lines (not the general voter), a pakistani wouldn't vote for an indian, and an indian wouldnt for a pakistani, so being an asian aint that helpful.

one criticism i have tho of sadiq is where boris and ken both promoted London abroad a lot, khans most notable foreign relations episode has been his spat with trump. imo the mayor, who has a large pr role to play, should promote the city more.

as far as specific programs, i think public transport and youth services are an easy starting place, they need a lot of work.
 
He has no chance. Not so much because he is a Pakistani or a Muslim, just don't think he has the gravitas needed for a leader. I don't rate either of the Pakistani heritage politicians who are vying for leadership of Labour and Conservative parties. They just haven't got it.
 
Ronaldo7 said:
I'm basing that from the odds made by the bookies. The bookies have him as a HEAVY favourite for the next election
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I think you are looking at the odds for 'next PM' as opposed to 'PM after next election'. Corbyn is the favourite on the 'next PM' market because Boris isn't included in this market.

For example,

https://www.oddschecker.com/politics/british-politics/next-prime-minister

But if you look at the "General Election Most Seats Betting Odds" the Tories are strong favourites:

https://www.oddschecker.com/politics/british-politics/next-uk-general-election/most-seats
 
Even if he becomes Labour leader he will never become PM because the Tories will continue to spread Islamaphobia. If these people can fool idiots to think Corbyn is a racist, it wont be much of an issue for them to label Khan as something unwanted.
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
He has no chance. Not so much because he is a Pakistani or a Muslim, just don't think he has the gravitas needed for a leader. I don't rate either of the Pakistani heritage politicians who are vying for leadership of Labour and Conservative parties. They just haven't got it.
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Agree, Khan in particular is just a talking head, empty vessel with no vision that he can meaningfully articulate, on that score Corbyn wins comfortably; Javid is far more intelligent than Khan but just as inarticulate.
 
When London with all its liberal values could not stop Brexit referendum, do you think they can help elect Sadiq Khan as the PM?
 
dildilpak said:
When London with all its liberal values could not stop Brexit referendum, do you think they can help elect Sadiq Khan as the PM?
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London doesn't elect the PM the UK does. London is still very liberal, the greatest city on the planet by far and Londoners elected Sadiq Khan as Mayor.
 
KingKhanWC said:
London doesn't elect the PM the UK does. London is still very liberal, the greatest city on the planet by far and Londoners elected Sadiq Khan as Mayor.
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Exactly my point, hence the debate is pointless. London might elect Sadiq Khan, but the country wont - not seeing the referendum results.
 
And if Brexit goes through, London wont be the greatest city on the planet, even in somebody’s imagination - says NYC. : P
 
dildilpak said:
Exactly my point, hence the debate is pointless. London might elect Sadiq Khan, but the country wont - not seeing the referendum results.
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Yes I agree but this is not because of racism but because he is in the Labour party and is not very much liked. Heck if a great man like Jeremy Corbyn cant get ahead in the polls , no Labour leader will imo unless they change their policies as per the liar Tony Blair.
 
KingKhanWC said:
Yes I agree but this is not because of racism but because he is in the Labour party and is not very much liked. Heck if a great man like Jeremy Corbyn cant get ahead in the polls , no Labour leader will imo unless they change their policies as per the liar Tony Blair.
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Lets not pretend that UK has no racism & Brexit happened only because of economic policies. The fact is that barring London & some other cities, immigration is a huge issue even in English counties & Sadiq Khan will never get votes just like Dems here.
 
dildilpak said:
Lets not pretend that UK has no racism & Brexit happened only because of economic policies. The fact is that barring London & some other cities, immigration is a huge issue even in English counties & Sadiq Khan will never get votes just like Dems here.
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We cannot confuse the two issues. Brexit is different to electing a party/pm. yes there were a lot of elements in voting for Brexit to due racist mindets but voting for the Labour party or PM is more about domestic policies, social welfare etc.
 
Gabbar Singh said:
I think you are looking at the odds for 'next PM' as opposed to 'PM after next election'. Corbyn is the favourite on the 'next PM' market because Boris isn't included in this market.

For example,

https://www.oddschecker.com/politics/british-politics/next-prime-minister

But if you look at the "General Election Most Seats Betting Odds" the Tories are strong favourites:

https://www.oddschecker.com/politics/british-politics/next-uk-general-election/most-seats
Click to expand...

Yeah I think i should have looked at the second one
Thanks for pointing this out
 
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is on a collision course with the government over proposals to water down his green plan for the capital, which involves stopping the expansion of Heathrow and protecting the green belt.

Planning inspectors want Khan to withdraw his objections to Heathrow’s expansion, permit fracking in London, and loosen his commitment to the green belt by allowing building in “very special circumstances”.

Khan is expected to write formally to the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, Robert Jenrick, to reject these proposed changes to the “London Plan” policy. Ministers will then have six weeks to choose whether to force through the changes by legal means.

The brewing row highlights the tensions between local governments, which in some areas are taking a tough stance on climate change and environmental issues such as air pollution, and central government, which is accused of lagging behind on concrete actions to fulfil the UK’s national goals on the climate emergency and environmental protections.

Jules Pipe, deputy mayor for planning, regeneration and skills, said: “Tackling London’s filthy air and the climate emergency are among the mayor’s top priorities. London has declared a climate emergency and it’s critical we move towards renewable energy to improve the capital’s toxic air quality, protect the health of Londoners, and keep the city on course to being a net zero-carbon city by 2050.”

Khan’s plan would ban fracking in London, prevent the massive expansion of Heathrow backed by the government, and enshrine stronger protections for the green belt and metropolitan open land.

A report by the Planning Inspectorate, a quasi-independent government agency, suggested changes to the London Plan that would allow for fracking in London, and for development in the green belt “in very special circumstances”, with alterations to the boundary of the green belt in “exceptional circumstances”.

The inspectors want the changes in order to bring the London Plan into line with national policies, set by central government, and the great majority of the measures in the London Plan received their approval. Their recommendations are non-binding – however, to ignore them, the mayor must write to the secretary of state explaining why he is doing so.

A spokesperson for the Planning Inspectorate said: “The London Plan has been examined by an independent panel of three inspectors. The panel’s role in the examination is now complete. The report sets out any recommended changes, as well as the reasoning behind those changes, following the examination in public. It is for the Greater London Authority to consider the changes and publish the report at a timing of their choice.”

The effects of the changes proposed by the inspectors are likely to be minor in practice. For instance, there are no current plans to frack in London, and none are likely to be brought forward. Fracking has in effect stalled across the UK.

Allowing for building on the green belt in “very special circumstances” would be open to challenge and require explanations of what made circumstances so special that the presumption against building should be breached.

On Heathrow, the London Plan will in effect be subordinate to the decisions of the courts, where attempts to stop the airport expansion by legal means are already well under way. Last week, a new legal front opened up in the ongoing battle, when WWF was granted permission to make arguments against expansion based on the rights of children.

Khan’s objections to Heathrow expansion are nuanced, moreover, by his backing for increased capacity at Gatwick.

The row over the London Plan is significant as it highlights the gap between local and national government on green issues. Local mayors and council leaders wishing to implement environmental improvements, whether on air pollution or measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sometimes lack the powers to do so.

Even where they are given power, for instance in setting up clean air zones, they may be frustrated in raising funding for their plans, when local authorities are facing cuts, large deficits or even bankruptcy.

Khan will write to the secretary of state before the end of the year, and the government will have six weeks in which to respond.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said: “It is for the mayor of London to take forward the planning inspector’s comments on the London Plan. The secretary of state will respond to any letter from the mayor of London in due course.”
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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politic...ision-course-with-government-over-environment.
 
floundering a bit Sadiq - his city on fire and should have done better to take control or has he done ok?
 
London mayor takes pay cut over virus funding cut fears

London's mayor has announced he will take a 10 percent pay cut due to a budget crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak, as he urged the government to help UK's stretched local authorities.

Sadiq Khan said the capital faces a budget shortfall of nearly £500m ($628m) over the next two years because of an "unprecedented" income loss from the crisis.

The Labour mayor warned he could make cuts to police, fire and transport services without additional funding from the government, which he accused of risking "a new era of austerity".
 
Sadiq Khan has warned Londoners their council tax bills could have to rise because of the "draconian" conditions attached to a £1.8bn government bailout of Transport for London
 
MenInG said:
Sadiq Khan has warned Londoners their council tax bills could have to rise because of the "draconian" conditions attached to a £1.8bn government bailout of Transport for London
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this is just the tip of the iceberg since tfl is so reliant on high cashflows from tickets, the entire country will see different flavours of fiscal tightening as the deficit will swell over the next year or so, its just that different government services have a lower requirement of immediate cash.

the lockdowns have helped drive up savings to record levels, so at least the deficit is likely to be locally funded.
 
[MENTION=56933]ElRaja[/MENTION] any good articles talking about the savings at record levels?
 
MenInG said:
Sadiq Khan has warned Londoners their council tax bills could have to rise because of the "draconian" conditions attached to a £1.8bn government bailout of Transport for London
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Covenient of Mr Khan to do so.

Absolutely despise the guy- will never forget him pandering to the right before he was elected and questioning those that wear hijabs nowadays.

Sellout.
 
Waqar's inswinging yorker said:
Covenient of Mr Khan to do so.

Absolutely despise the guy- will never forget him pandering to the right before he was elected and questioning those that wear hijabs nowadays.

Sellout.
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Out of curiosity, I googled what he said, and am pasting just the quote below:

“When I was younger you didn’t see people in hijabs and niqabs, not even in Pakistan when I visited my family. In London we got on. People dressed the same. What you see now are people born and raised here who are choosing to wear the jilbab [a loose gown] or niqab.

“There is a question to be asked about what is going on in those homes. What’s insidious is if people are starting to think it is appropriate to treat women differently or that it has been forced on them. What worries me is children being forced to adopt a lifestyle.”

“It’s not for me to tell women what to wear. But I do think that in public service we should be able to see each other’s faces. Eye contact matters. You should be able to see the face.”

“There is no other city in the world where I would want to raise my daughters than London. They have rights, they have protection, the right to wear what they like, think what they like, to meet who they like, to study what they like, more than they would in any other country.”
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To each their own, but I don't see much wrong in that statement: eye contact matters.

The Hijab is Arab culture and not particularly Islamic code anyway.
 
If Teresa May can be PM, if Boris Johnson can be PM, then sure yes Sadiq Khan can also be PM.
 
Hope not, he's going to have sell out. The foreign and defence policy is entirely controlled by the British establishment.
 
Varun said:
Out of curiosity, I googled what he said, and am pasting just the quote below:



To each their own, but I don't see much wrong in that statement: eye contact matters.

The Hijab is Arab culture and not particularly Islamic code anyway.
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You might not see anything wrong with it,I and many muslims did and do.

He played the muslim and minority card when it suits and then panders to others when it suits.

A fraud of a person- who stops at nothing to get ahead.

The timing of this statement made it even worse- just to get a few votes,he sacrificed principles and in fact, went against his own views prior-people should be free to wear what they want.

Is he centrist? Is he a liberal? Is he leftist? Is he progressive?

Depends on what day you catch him and which way the wind is blowing.

Nothing but contempt for Mr Khan.

Sellout.
 
Gabbar Singh said:
Above all he’s a pragmatist. He knows how to win elections and how to get things done. He’s not perfect but then which politician is? Would you have preferred a Mayor Goldsmith?
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Sadiq Khan can never be the PM of England, England will never vote a Pakistani background person for PM. It is unfortunate.
 
King-Misbah said:
Sadiq Khan can never be the PM of England, England will never vote a Pakistani background person for PM. It is unfortunate.
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a black man became POTUS you never know...

its not the 50s anymore I have hope
 
Sadiq Khan says words he never thought he'd say

The London mayor has been asked on Sky News about Jeremy Hunt's call for an immediate national lockdown.

"Let me use words that I never used when Jeremy Hunt was health secretary: I agree with Jeremy Hunt. I think he's spot on," said Mr Khan.

"One of the things we have learnt with this virus is that it's better to go too early than too late."

The mayor said he was "concerned" about the next few days for the NHS and that when he spoke to colleagues in the health service they told him that there were more COVID patients now than at any stage during the first wave.

Mr Khan also complained that people were still allowed to arrive in the UK without effective quarantining.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today admitted tougher restrictions are on the way - but was unclear about when they would be announced.

This as Nicola Sturgeon prepares to impose tougher restrictions in Scotland shortly.
 
No, Labour cannot with a desi at the helm. And if Scotland gets independence ( although there isn't many Labour MPS from Scotland atm), Labour will never in England if they fight from the left, and if they don't, they lose their rainbow coalition
 
The Mayor of London wants a plan from the Metropolitan Police commissioner within weeks on how to "win back the trust and confidence" of the public.

Sadiq Khan met Dame Cressida Dick last week after the police watchdog found "disgraceful" misogyny, discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment among PCs based at Charing Cross.

His spokesperson said the commissioner had been "put on notice" as a result.

Mr Khan has now demanded a plan by the next time they meet.

Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme when that would be, the mayor said: "It's days and weeks."

And asked what he would do if he was unhappy with the response, Mr Khan added: "I wont keep silent about that, I'll take action."

Dame Cressida, who has led the force since 2017, has come under increasing pressure over a string of issues within the force - including over the murder of Sarah Everard by a serving police officer.

The BBC's political editor, Laura Kuenssberg, said tensions arose between No 10 and the Home Office over the police chief's future in light of the horrific crime.

But it is understood that both Home Secretary Priti Patel and Prime Minister Boris Johnson were unenthusiastic about the likely internal candidate, senior Met officer Neil Basu, who had previously criticised the PM and was seen in No 10 as "too political".

As a result, Dame Cressida saw her term extended by a further two years until April 2024.

'I am not willing to wait'

Speaking to Today, Mr Khan said he wanted to hear the police chief's response to the revelations about police in Charing Cross at their next meeting.

But, more widely, he said he also wanted to see her plan "to win back the trust and confidence that's been both knocked and shattered as a consequence of these cases".

"We police in this country based on one important principle: consent," he added.

"If it is the case that Londoners, whether you are a woman or a girl, a person of colour or you are a member of the LGBT+ community, haven't got confidence in the police service to come forward when you are a victim of crime, to come forward when you are a witness of crime, to come forward and join the police service?

"That's a problem for now. I am not willing to wait."

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-60318258
 
Only if he receives some training from Ahmed Armstrong and joins the Conservatives :)
 
Sadiq exercising his mayoral clout today in the best way possible.

— — —

<b>Met Police chief Cressida Dick resigns after Sadiq Khan ‘put her on notice’.</b>

In a statement, she said the London Mayor Sadiq Khan ‘no longer has sufficient confidence in my leadership to continue.’

‘He has left me no choice but to step aside as Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service,’ she added.

The about-face appears to have come after Mr Khan told her he was ‘not satisfied’ with the Met’s Commissioner’s response to calls for change.

Reacting to the news, he said: ‘Last week, I made clear to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner the scale of the change I believe is urgently required to rebuild the trust and confidence of Londoners in the Met and to root out the racism, sexism, homophobia, bullying, discrimination and misogyny that still exists.

‘I am not satisfied with the Commissioner’s response. On being informed of this, Dame Cressida Dick has said she will be standing aside. It’s clear that the only way to start to deliver the scale of the change required is to have new leadership right at the top of the Metropolitan Police.’

The search for Dame Cressida’s successor will now begin, with assistant commissioner Neil Basu among the favourites to take over the role.
 
Issues with UK Police

==

A black ex-Met Police officer whose colleagues painted his face white so he would "fit in" has urged Cressida Dick's successor to fix the force's "canteen culture".

Gamal Turawa, who was the Met Police's first openly gay black officer, told Sky News that racist remarks were dismissed as "banter" when he worked for the force and he was "complicit" in some of the abuse he suffered.

The former police constable also said he was left suicidal after his complaint of inappropriate behaviour by a senior officer was allegedly not taken seriously.

Following Dame Cressida's resignation, Mr Turawa - who retired as an officer in 2018 after more than 25 years of service - believes "institutional discrimination" remains in the force.

Mr Turawa told Sky News: "I think one of the biggest mistakes [Cressida Dick] made was to say the force is no longer institutionally racist.

"The culture at the Met is not changed at the top, it's changed in the canteens.

"That's where the culture sits. It doesn't sit in Scotland Yard."

Cressida Dick: Met police chief's future hangs in balance as she has 'days and weeks' to show how she will tackle sexism and racism in force, warns London mayor

Mr Turawa, whose life story is told in a BAFTA-nominated documentary called The Black Cop, joined the Met Police in the early 1990s after four previous applications had been rejected.

After arriving at a police training college, he said it was quickly made known to him he was "not white" after he was subjected to racist comments "under the guise of banter".

After he raised concerns that the remarks were making him uncomfortable, he said an instructor told him: "You know what your problem is son, you've got a chip on your shoulder."

Just weeks into his training, Mr Turawa said a group of fellow recruits burst into his room and covered his face with shoe whitener, before telling him: "Now you fit in."

He said he allowed them to do it and laughed along with them, even posing for a photo, because he believed "now they like me".

"They saw it as banter. At the time I saw it as banter," the former officer said.

"As I've grown and look back on it, I now see it for what it is."

Mr Turawa said those involved never faced any disciplinary action because he did not report the incident and they could have gone on to have had lengthy police careers.

"The reason I didn't report it was because I was complicit in it as well," he added.

Mr Turawa served as a PC at the Met Police and worked as a diversity and inclusion trainer.

He was often involved in the force's publicity campaigns, hosting then prime minister Tony Blair at the launch of a new careers office at Scotland Yard in 2000.

But he suffered a breakdown in the early 2000s after he allegedly faced inappropriate behaviour from a senior officer.

After making a complaint, Mr Turawa said the officer assigned to investigate the case told him: "Do you really think this is going to go anywhere?"

He said this alleged incident and his struggle with his sexuality being secret at the time led him to write a suicide note.

"I remember standing on the platform waiting for the fast train to come along and then I just went blank," Mr Turawa told Sky News.

"It was almost like I blinked and when I opened my eyes I was sitting in the office.

"One of my colleagues said: 'You're in early', and I just burst into tears.

"That's when I discovered I'd had a breakdown."

He went on: "That breakdown was probably the best thing that ever happened to me because the three months I had off really forced me to look at myself and realise what I had allowed to happen to me.

"I had to start rebuilding myself."

Mr Turawa, who came out as gay after returning to work, now tells his story to help educate officers in police forces and other organisations since his retirement.

"You have to be part of the change. You can't just sit there and slag it off and not do anything about changing it," he said.

"For me, it's satisfaction to say I'm going to go back and try to do my best to improve things.

"I'm going to go to my grave knowing I did my part."

Cherish Oteka, who directed and produced The Black Cop, told Sky News: "This is a really important story that people need to hear, not just black LGBTQ+ people but beyond the community as well.

"It's a really important story of self-discovery and grappling with self-hatred and I think it's a universal theme."

In a statement given to the documentary in response to Mr Turawa's claims, the Met Police said: "This is not the same Met as it was 20 to 25 years ago.

"We now provide mandatory diversity training for all officers and staff... and have introduced body-worn cameras so that the encounters our officers have with the public are recorded and are accountable.

"Policing is complex and challenging and we strive to ensure we are fair and just.

"The commissioner has been instrumental in personally improving the response to racist crime in London and enhancing the service we give to London's black community.

"We have done more than almost any other organisation to ensure that racism isn't tolerated and we champion equality and inclusion."

The Black Cop, which is nominated in the British short film category at next month's BAFTAs, can be viewed here.

SKY
 
being a bit pak Londoner, it's painful to admit he's pbly the worst london mayor ever.

zero diplomacy, picks up spats right left and centre. has literally no media skills, gets bombarded by the tory party and has no comebacks other than to sack cressida dick, who pbly deserved it, but is obviously getting pay back for implicitly supporting boris. his lack of political nouse has hurt London hard, with the tfl being the vehicle of punishment in this case.

i had a lot of hopes for both him and sajid years ago, but I hope neither becomes PM.
 
Nothing has changed since I wrote my first post #12 in this thread in 2019. It's not all about ethnic heritage, it's about leadership qualities. He hasn't got them. I said the same about Ridhi Sunak the great champion of Indian hopes, but no folks it isn't going to happen. These guys are just too wet. More chance of Priti Patel becoming PM one she gets relieved of immigrant guard duty.
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
Nothing has changed since I wrote my first post #12 in this thread in 2019. It's not all about ethnic heritage, it's about leadership qualities. He hasn't got them. I said the same about Ridhi Sunak the great champion of Indian hopes, but no folks it isn't going to happen. These guys are just too wet. More chance of Priti Patel becoming PM one she gets relieved of immigrant guard duty.
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Even though you do have a point, about Sadiq Khan and Sunak. However, Kier Starmer doesn’t have the persona that a Johnson or Blair have. But he is the leader of the opposition and has a strong chance of becoming the next PM.

With Sadiq Khan, I will disagree on the leadership qualities. Becoming the mayor of London is no small task. The issue is going to be whether the red wall areas will vote for him if he is the PM candidate.

As for Sunak, he is shrewd. He doesn’t make faux pax like Truss and knows when to keep his mouth shut. Unlike Johnson, he is a true conservative in the economic sense and will have the backing of the MPs. Will he become the PM if he stands as the candidate? Probably not. But he will have a higher chance than Sadiq Khan, as he will not have to depend on red wall seats. He will be hoping for the traditionally conservative voters in the south (where imho race plays a lesser factor) to back him.
Will Sunak become the PM if Johnson gets the boot? Quite likely, if Truss keeps on embarrassing herself.

As for Patel, let’s hope that never happens. I have never known of a more sadistic individual.
 
The Metropolitan Police Federation, which represents more than 31,000 officers in the capital, has declared it has "no faith" in London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Ken Marsh, chairman of the federation, said the atmosphere among officers was at "rock bottom" following the resignation of Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick.

Accusing politicians of using "policing and the career of the country's most senior police leader to deflect from their own failings", Mr Marsh said: "This is not a move we take lightly.

"We have let the Mayor's office know in no uncertain terms how our brave and diligent colleagues deserve better.

"The atmosphere amongst Metropolitan Police officers is horrendous - it's rock bottom.

"Officers in London feel saddened and angry that the Commissioner Cressida Dick has been pushed out in the way she has. She was reforming. She was changing. The culture is changing.

"We are deeply disappointed with the actions of the Mayor."

Cressida Dick resignation: Former senior Met Police officer hits out at London Mayor Sadiq Khan for public criticism of outgoing commissioner

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick, Home Secretary Priti Patel and London Mayor Sadiq Khan attend the National Police Memorial in London to mark National Police Memorial Day.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan will oppose hiring Met chief if they don't have 'robust plan' to tackle cultural issues

Metropolitan Police chief Dame Cressida Dick arrives at BBC Broadcasting House, London, to appear on BBC Radio London. The future of the Metropolitan Police chief hangs in the balance over her response to outrage sparked by racist, misogynist and homophobic messages exchanged by officers. Picture date: Thursday February 10, 2022.

'The Met does not want you. Leave now': Dame Cressida Dick's email to officers to stamp out criminal and bad behaviour in scandal-hit police force revealed

Dame Cressida dramatically quit from the role on Thursday night when Mr Khan made clear he had no confidence in her plans to reform the service.

Mr Marsh said: "The hard work of our colleagues - and public trust in our colleagues - is being undermined by politicians. And by the Mayor of London in particular. The continuing scaremongering, sniping and sweeping statements are causing disaffection with the public... not the thousands and thousands of hard-working officers who are out there keeping people safe."

He added: "The Federation will continue to speak up for these courageous colleagues. They are being forgotten about by our elected mayor. Enough is enough. Officers have no faith in Sadiq Khan."

The Metropolitan Police Federation said it was "sickened" by incidents that have hit the headlines over recent months, but that they were "not reflective of an entire workforce".

Mr Marsh added: "We've got to put some context on what we are talking about. The incidents that have taken place are horrific. We do not want these individuals in the job.

"But the federation will continue to speak up for our good officers. We totally accept that we have to deliver for the public and work to improve confidence, but if you haven't got your workforce with you then you are not going to achieve what you're setting out to achieve."

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson paid tribute to Dame Cressida's "remarkable" career.

Asked for his view on Mr Khan's role in forcing her out, and for confirmation that - as a Prime Minister under investigation by the police - he would play no part in choosing her successor, Mr Johnson said: "I think the best thing I can say about Cressida Dick is that I think over many, many years - I've known her for many years - she has played a remarkable role as the first female head of the Metropolitan Police.

"I thank her for all her service. It goes back a long time.

"I wouldn't want any other issues to cloud what I think, overall, is very considerable record of public service."

SKY
 
London mayor accused of 'breaking pre-election rules'

London mayor Sadiq Khan's decision to announce the opening date for the Elizabeth line a day before the elections is an attempt to "garner votes"and a "breach of pre-election rules", Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has claimed.

The cabinet minister accused Mr Khan of "breathtaking political cynicism" as he condemned the decision to announce the capital's new Crossrail service today.

Mr Shapps went on to say he would "immediately" refer the breach to the Electoral Commission for investigation.

He said: "This announcement is an act of breathtaking political cynicism by the mayor, breaking election rules on such announcements in an effort to garner votes the day before the local elections in London.

"I am therefore immediately referring this breach to the Electoral Commission for investigation.

"Londoners reading this unscrupulous headline grab might like to know that the government has poured billions into Crossrail to solve delays clocked up on the mayor's watch, while propping up a transport system hobbled financially by his chronic incompetence."

This morning, Transport for London announced the capital's Elizabeth line would open on 24 May.

The railway will run from Reading in Berkshire to Shenfield in Essex and Abbey Wood in southeast London.

It was originally planned to open in full in December 2018 but it was hit by numerous problems including construction delays and difficulties installing complex signalling systems.

SKY
 
<b>Mayor of London Sadiq Khan blames Trump for sharp rise in abuse</b>

Sadiq Khan says he has received at least 233,000 "explicitly racist or racialised social media messages" since being elected mayor of London in 2016.

Addressing Stanford University students in California, Mr Khan partly blamed a 1,892% rise in abuse to Donald Trump's election as US president.

A feud started in 2017 when Mr Trump criticised the mayor over his response to the London Bridge terror attacks.

"He's not my biggest fan," Mr Khan told the audience in Silicon Valley.

Mr Khan was elected mayor of London in May 2016, six months before Mr Trump won the White House.

"During those four years he was president, that led to me having to receive police protection and a lot of racial abuse," Mr Khan said on Tuesday.

"In the last year of him being president, once he was banned from Twitter, I received the least racial abuse of any time over five years.

"On the one hand, social media - Facebook Twitter - great. On the other hand, that's the consequence of lack of control and lack of regulation."

Racist abuse targeted at Mr Khan rose by 1,892% in 2016, according to the mayor's office, before increasing by a further 94% in 2017.

The abuse declined by 35% in 2018, rose by 59% in 2019 with a decline of by 75% in 2020, and a further 40% fall in 2021, following Mr Trump's permanent ban from Twitter and subsequent departure from office, said Mr Khan's office.

The mayor is travelling across the country as part of his efforts to "bang the drum for London" and encourage investment and tourism.

The California leg of the tour has seen him meeting with technology and business leaders at Google and LinkedIn.

Asked about Elon Musk's plans to reverse Mr Trump's Twitter ban, he said "everybody should be entitled to be rehabilitated".

"Let's wait and see if Donald Trump has learnt his lesson. If it's the case that Donald Trump is going to use Twitter responsibly, I think that's all well and good.

"If he breaks the rules, there needs to be consequences and we can't afford a situation where people think social media is where people behave irresponsibly, where you see an increase in not just racism, sexism and misogyny but also division.

"I hope Elon Musk, now he's in charge of Twitter, understands that."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-61403035.amp
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This has been one of the most shameful sagas in the history of British politics. <br><br>Boris Johnson has presided over a government defined by lies, sleaze, an utter lack of integrity, unlawful behaviour, incompetence, and a damaging culture of impunity in public office. &#55358;&#56821;</p>— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/SadiqKhan/status/1544968124663054337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 7, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has called for an immediate general election as the prime minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation.

In a scathing attack on the prime minister’s leadership, Mr Khan said Boris Johnson had presided over a government defined by "lies, sleaze, an utter lack of integrity and unlawful behaviour”.

The Labour politician, who took over the job of mayor of London from Mr Johnson in 2016, described the prime minister’s leadership as “one of the most shameful sagas in the history of British politics”.

Mr Johnson hopes to remain in his role till a successor is appointed in the autumn but Mr Khan insists that we “simply cannot wait” until then.

He said: “The only way our country will be able to get the fresh start it deserves is for the next prime minister to call an immediate general election so we can get rid of this appalling Tory government.


“At every turn, his government has sought to stoke division, play communities off against one another, and level down our capital city for political gain.

“This has caused immense damage - harming our economy, feeding public cynicism and degrading our country in the eyes of the world.

“Truth, decency and integrity in public office matter.

“There will be a collective sigh of relief across the country now he has finally agreed to leave No10, but that departure simply cannot wait until the autumn now so much damage has been done.

“And this goes far wider than one man.

“Boris Johnson was supported, defended and enabled by Conservative Ministers and MPs every step of the way, even though they knew - from the very start - he was unfit to be prime minister.

“Londoners and people across Britain are being hit hard by the cost-of-living crisis, spiralling inequality and a stagnating economy.

“It’s clear: the Tories are incapable of governing in the national interest and fixing the huge challenges we face.”

Mr Johnson’s decision comes after more than 50 Tory MPs quit the government in a period of less than 48 hours, following the shock resignations of health secretary Sajid Javid and chancellor Rishi Sunak.

On Thursday morning Mr Johnson announced he would resign as Tory party leader but remain prime minister until October.

A new prime minister will be in place until the Tory party conference in October, a No 10 source told the BBC.

https://www.londonworld.com/news/po...sadiq-khan-immediate-general-election-3760303
 
Sadiq Khan's five-day trip to the US cost the taxpayer at least £34,263, City Hall says.

London's mayor was accompanied by eight officials with ground transport costing the most (£21,108), according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Business-class flights were provided by United Airlines, with only taxes and fees of £2,802 payable.

The mayor visited New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles during May's trip to "bang the drum for London".

City Hall's previous occupant Boris Johnson led a delegation to the US in 2015, which cost the taxpayer nearly £40,000 - including about £15,000 on flights - according to an FOI request.

During the trip, Mr Khan sought to boost tourism to the capital, develop links with technology firms and encourage further investment from Hollywood.

He also announced a new London Drugs Commission would look at whether to decriminalise cannabis in the UK.

Two deputy mayors, Rajesh Agrawal and Justine Simons, also flew to San Francisco and Los Angeles respectively for engagements and meetings.

Eleven UK-based journalists and two based in the US also joined the trip.

"We anticipate any additional expense claims will be submitted in the coming weeks," the information governance officer wrote.

BBC
 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">"We are working on plans in relation to bringing the Olympics back to London [...] watch this space!"<br><br>Sadiq Khan has told Sky Sports that his office is actively working on plans to bring the Olympics & Paralympics back to London &#55356;&#57286;<a href="https://t.co/LF1m5gS9Dk">pic.twitter.com/LF1m5gS9Dk</a></p>— Sky Sports (@SkySports) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySports/status/1550457951193890817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
 
Sadiq Khan should be focusing on reducing crime, improving public transport, and manage blue light services in Lindon instead of dreaming about the Olympics, which the IOC will not award anyway for at least another 10 years!
 
Sadiq Khan has received a wave of social media abuse, some of it racist, after newspapers incorrectly reported he might block a new statue of the Queen, days after the London mayor warned some media outlets were “monetising” hatred.

The story, initially reported by the Telegraph under the headline, ‘No room for Queen Elizabeth II statue on Trafalgar Square’s fouth plinth, rules Sadiq Khan,’ was printed despite a statement saying this was not the case.

The fourth plinth in the square is occupied by a rolling series of sculptures and artworks, currently a statue of John Chilembwe, a Baptist pastor who led a revolt against the British in what is now Malawi in 1915, in which he was killed.

The longstanding programme for the empty plinth, organised by a commission answerable to Khan’s office, has been set out for the next four years, leading some newspapers to say this meant a statue of the late Queen could not be placed there.

But in a statement, the Greater London Authority, which covers the mayoralty and the city’s devolved assembly, did not rule this out, saying the location of a statue was a decision for King Charles III and the royal family.

It added: “A statue of the Queen at a suitable location in London is a matter for the royal family to consider, and of course the Greater London Authority stands ready to support them in their wishes.”

A later statement from Khan’s office said he was happy to support the royals in what they wished, which “includes using the fourth plinth if that is the royal family’s preference”.

There is, currently, no indication that the royals have asked that the plinth be used for a statue.

While the headline of the Telegraph story was later amended, the idea of Khan supposedly blocking the statue was picked up by a series of other mainstream outlets, also trending on social media.

Many social media messages accused Khan of not being patriotic, contrasting what they saw as his decision over the Queen with the presence on the fourth plinth of artwork by a Malawian sculptor, Samson Kambalu. A number used racist slurs.

It comes less than a week after Khan, speaking at the Labour conference, said analysis showed there had been 230,000 racist tweets about him sent since he took the role in 2016.

At the event, Khan said the hatred was often stoked by inaccurate reporting in the traditional media, who had realised that stories demonising him, even if misleading, received lots of views.

“What we’ve realised now is that when you use my name, it’s good clickbait for traffic,” he said. “It’s a trickle-down tone being set by the mainstream media. It’s good for business” he said, adding: “Hate has been monetised.”

Dawn Butler MP, the Labour MP for Brent Central in north London, said the press had “a responsibility to ensure their output, including headlines, is fair and accurate”.

She said: “It’s no secret that using Sadiq’s name online guarantees clicks and generates income. That’s particularly true if there’s a way the headline can be used to suggest Sadiq is not truly British – as it gets picked up and widely shared by the far right and racist trolls online.

“Inaccurate headlines of the kind we’ve seen this week are designed to be inflammatory and go viral – to be shared not read – and it is clear they were shared widely.”

Speaking last week, Khan blamed his Conservative opponent in the 2016 mayoral election, Zac Goldsmith, for having “mainstreamed and normalised prejudices” with a campaign widely criticised for being racist in the way it highlighted Khan’s Muslim background.

Guardian
 
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has been blasted for allegedly flying 14,000 mile to address a climate change meeting in South America. Campaigners have criticised Mr Khan for attending the three-day C40 World Mayors Summit in Buenos Aires around 7,000 miles from the UK.

The C40 summit is set to take place from October 19 to October 21. C40 is a network of mayors of nearly 100 world-leading cities taking urgent action to confront the climate crisis

The Mail on Sunday have revealed the London mayor will travel with six members of City Hall staff for the trip to Buenos Aires on Wednesday. But campaigners have questioned why the mayor and his team didn't attend virtually as the the summit was a ‘hybrid in-person and virtual event'.

Travel and accommodation is paid for by C40 and not with taxpayers' money. Mr Khan's office said the top amount of ‘sustainable aviation fuel’ (SAF) will be contributed to their flights.

But campaign group Flight Free UK Anna Hughes told the Mail on Sunday: "Claiming that the Mayor is committed to reducing emissions by using SAF is misleading: so-called 'sustainable' fuels don’t actually reduce tailpipe emissions, and are blended with at least 50 per cent conventional jet fuel."

She added: "While it is essential that world leaders meet to discuss taking action on the climate, it is more powerful to demonstrate true climate leadership through our actions."

Flight Free UK seen by the Mail said Mr Khan's trip will burn roughly three tons of carbon dioxide per passenger. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London told MyLondon: “Climate change is one of the biggest threats we face as a planet today - which is why, as the elected Chair of the C40 network of global cities, the Mayor will be attending the World Mayors Summit in Buenos Aires from 19th -21st October.

“Cities are responsible for over 70% of global carbon emissions and the Mayor will be leading critical discussions at the summit on how they can cut emissions and energy use more quickly, tackle the cost of living crisis, create green jobs and build resilience to climate change. Ahead of COP27, this C40 summit will be a vital moment to show cities are doers not delayers in the fight against climate change.”

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/worl...sedgntp&cvid=14684a8c2157471f841569a83a20441e
 
Sadiq Khan under fire as shock figures show London lost hundreds of iconic buses in 6 years


Sadiq Khan has been accused of 'ignoring outer London' as shocking figures reveal the capital lost 1,165 buses in just six years. New research commissioned by the Liberal Democrats from the House of Commons Library showed that from 2016/17 to 2021/22, the fleet of the iconic London buses were reduced from 10,191 to 9,026.

The findings also showed that during that time, 12 million miles of London bus miles were cut by Transport for London (TfL). The figures, revealed by Liberal Democrat Treasury Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP, showed that since Sadiq Khan had become London Mayor in 2016, the number of miles covered by bus services dropped significantly from the all-time peak of 304 million to 292 million in 2022.

The revelations come as a budget amendment tabled by City Hall's Liberal Democrat group to give an extra £50 million to bus services was blocked. The Liberal Democrats have also called for a longer lead in time to the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) which will hit outer boroughs such as Sutton and Kingston. The area's also face cuts to further TfL bus routes such as the 213 and 57.

...
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/ukne...p&cvid=9b81aef462244dd8917454725e5d9740&ei=22
 
If he’s going to expand the ULEZ he has to keep public transport running or improve it.
 
The Mayor of London has switched on the city’s first ever celebratory Ramadan lights.

The installation of 30,000 sustainable lights, which on this scale are the first in Europe, will illuminate Piccadilly Circus for the month of Ramadan.

The festival is observed by Muslims, including Sadiq Khan, who this year will fast in daylight hours from March 22 to April 21.

The initiative was driven by non-profit organisation Ramadan Lights UK, who rallied to set up the display through public donations.

Its founder, Aisha Desai, said: “As a child, a trip into central London to see the festive lights was an annual treat.

“My sister and I would lie in the back of the car looking at the lights through the sunroof. It was magical.

“As a proud Muslim, I wanted to bring some of that magic to my community… And three years ago, that journey began with Ramadan Lights.

“And our generous donors have helped us go from strength to strength.”

The lights read Happy Ramadan, with glittering moons and stars to match.

The curated concept depicts the phases of the moon throughout Ramadan.
 
Croydon residents have branded being awarded London's Borough of Culture 2023 "a joke", describing the place is a "ghost town" and is closer to "the slums" than a cultural hub.

It comes after the council announced a £5bn regeneration scheme in 2016. Local councillors agreed to hike council tax by 15 percent, months after declaring bankruptcy for the third time in two years.

When asked what he made about the borough receiving the cultural accolade, Croydon resident Michael Remus said: "Does bankruptcy entitle you to be the Borough of Culture?"

He said the 15 percent increase was "certainly not" going to see the area enjoy any benefits.

One shopper, Clare, dismissed the idea of Croydon being awarded London Borough of Culture and said she doesn't believe the Mayor or the local council will deliver for her area, saying: "It's like the slums around here".

"Sadly Croydon is on a great decline", she said. "Homelessness is a major factor".

People in East Croydon today were bemused about culture.

John Stevens, a city cleaner, dismissed the award. Pointing at rows of boarded-up retail units along one of the area's main shopping streets, he said: "Culture? Look around you. Is that what they call culture? It's like a ghost town."

He also levelled fierce criticism at Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, who in 2016 described Croydon as one of London's "hidden gems".

https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/oth...p&cvid=8c0b94deceaf4e6ab4b4279669f616d8&ei=14
 
A legal challenge to the expansion of London’s ultra-low emission zone will be heard in the high court later this year, after a judgment permitted councils to proceed.

The city’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, vowed to press on regardless with plans to extend the Ulez, which he has argued is needed to tackle toxic air that is responsible for thousands of premature deaths a year.

Four London borough councils – Hillingdon, Bexley, Bromley, Harrow – and Surrey county council were granted permission to challenge the policy in court, although only two of the five grounds they presented were deemed “arguable”, and only in part.

The Ulez, which is aimed at reducing air pollution by charging drivers of older vehicles, will be expanded from inner boroughs to the whole of Greater London in August.

The five Conservative-led councils have sought to block the expansion, which is unpopular among many drivers in the suburbs.

Residents and small businesses have expressed concern about the financial impact, although Transport for London estimates that only a small minority of older vehicles will be liable for the charge, which is £12.50 daily for diesels typically registered before 2015 and petrol cars before 2004.

The councils argued that Khan had failed to comply with relevant statutory requirements and had not consulted on a £110m scrappage scheme introduced to help drivers transition to newer cars or public transport.

Sir Ross Cranston, a former high court judge, said the first ground was “doubtful but arguable” and that the second was “on the cusp”, although only on one aspect of its argument. He turned down three other claimed grounds for appeal. The court hearing is expected in July.

A spokesperson for Khan said: “The mayor is pleased to see the court has refused permission for the majority of the grounds. We will continue to robustly defend his life-saving decision to expand the Ulez and continue with preparations without delay.

“It is a shame that some local authorities have chosen to attempt this costly and misguided legal challenge instead of focusing on the health of those they represent. This is a health emergency and the mayor is not prepared to stand by and do nothing.”


Nick Rogers, the transport spokesperson for London assembly Conservatives, said: “The high court has now ruled there is sufficient evidence that Sadiq Khan’s Ulez decision may have been unlawful.

Gaurdian
 
Sadiq Khan has accused the prime minister of being "complicit" in racism for failing to condemn a senior Tory MP's comments that "pour fuel on the fire of anti-Muslim hatred".

Mr Khan said remarks by Lee Anderson that "Islamists" had "got control" of him as London mayor were Islamophobic and sent the message that Muslims were "fair game" when it came to racism.

The comments by Conservative former deputy chairman have prompted criticism from Labour and some Tories, including former cabinet minister Sajid Javid who branded them "ridiculous".

But while cabinet minister Grant Shapps distanced himself from Mr Anderson's claim he appeared to defend his right to "speak [his] mind".

Speaking on GB News this week, Mr Anderson, MP for Ashfield, said: "I don't actually believe that the Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they've got control of Khan and they've got control of London… He's actually given our capital city away to his mates."

Responding, Mr Khan said: "These comments from a senior Conservative are Islamophobic, are anti-Muslim and are racist."

Highlighting the spike in hate crimes, he said: "These comments pour fuel on the fire of anti-Muslim hatred.

"I am afraid the deafening silence form Rishi Sunak and from the cabinet is them condoning this racism.

"I am afraid it confirms to many people across the country that there's a hierarchy when it comes to racism."

He added: "I am unclear why Rishi Sunak, why members of his cabinet aren't calling this out and aren't condemning this.

"It's like they are complicit in this sort of racism.

"The message it sends is Muslims are fair game when it comes to racism and anti-Muslim hatred.

"It's not good enough in 2024 in the United Kingdom."

Business minister Nus Ghani described her Tory colleague's comments as "foolish and dangerous".

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Wealden MP said: "I have spoken to Lee Anderson. I've called out Islamic extremism (& been attacked by hard left, far right & Islamists).

"I don't for one moment believe that Sadiq Khan is controlled by Islamists. To say so, is both foolish and dangerous. Frankly this is all so tiring…"

Conservative former minister Sir Robert Buckland said: "Conservatives succeed by seeking to bring our country together, not by stoking division."

Tory peer Gavin Barwell, who was Theresa May's Number 10 chief of staff, said the remarks were a "despicable slur".

The Labour Party has written to Mr Sunak calling for the whip to be removed from Mr Anderson, which would mean he would sit as an independent MP rather than a Conservative.

Labour's shadow health secretary Wes Streeting said Mr Anderson had engaged in "outright racism and Islamophobia".

Sky News

news.sky.com

'Muslims are fair game when it comes to racism': Sadiq Khan slams PM for failing to condemn Lee Anderson comments

Sadiq Khan has accused the prime minister of being "complicit" in racism for failing to condemn a senior Tory MP's comments that "pour fuel on the fire of anti-Muslim hatred".
news.sky.com news.sky.com
 

Lee Anderson suspended from Tory party after racist Sadiq Khan rant​

Lee Anderson has been suspended from the Conservative Party after a racist rant about Sadiq Khan on GB News.

In a stunning fall from grace for Mr Anderson, who until last month was the deputy chairman of the party, he will no longer sit as a Tory MP.

It follows Mr Anderson’s refusal to apologise over a widely criticised interview in which he said “Islamists” have “got control” of Mr Khan.

In an appearance on GB News, Mr Anderson said: “I don’t actually believe that the Islamists have got control of our country, but what I do believe is they’ve got control of Khan and they’ve got control of London… He’s actually given our capital city away to his mates.”

Asked about the comments, Mr Khan said: “These comments from a senior Conservative are Islamophobic, are anti Muslim and are racist.”

And, piling pressure on Rishi Sunak to suspend Mr Anderson, he said: “Racism is racism, I’m unclear why Rishi Sunak and members of his cabinet aren’t calling this out or condemning this.

“It’s like they’re complicit in this sort of racism. And I think the message it sends is, Muslims are fair game.” And Mr Khan pointed to figures showing a spike in anti-Muslim hate incidents in recent months, adding that Mr Anderson’s comments “pour fuel on the fire”.

A spokesperson for Tory chief whip Simon Hart said the decision had been made following the former Tory deputy chairman’s “refusal to apologise” for the remarks made on Friday.

Mr Anderson said in a statement: “Following a call with the chief whip, I understand the difficult position that I have put both he and the prime minister in with regard to my comments. I fully accept that they had no option but to suspend the whip in these circumstances.”

Mr Anderson bizarrely went on to promise he would “continue to support the Government's efforts to call out extremism in all its forms - be that anti-semitism or Islamophobia”.

Labour party chairman Anneliese Dodds said Mr Anderson's comments were “unambiguously Islamophobic, divisive and damaging”.

Responding to his suspendion, she said: “It is right that he has had the whip removed, but the suggestion that Lee Anderson would have retained the confidence of the prime minister, simply if he apologised, is deeply concerning.

“These views are wrong, full stop, and there shouldn’t be conditions on removing them from your party.”

Speculation immediately mounted that Mr Anderson would seek to join Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, formerly the Brexit Party.

The insurgent party previously denied claims that it offered money to Mr Anderson to defect to the party, but it is believed he could contest his Ashfield seat, where he has a majority of just under 6,000, at the general election.

It would be a major blow for Mr Sunak if Mr Anderson joined Reform. The party already threatens to scupper Tory hopes in tens of seats at the election, and the outspoken MP, a favourite on the Tory right, could convince even more former Conservative voters to switch parties.

But, asked about the speculation, Reform leader Richard Tice said he was “not interested in pathetic Tory squabbling”.

www.independent.co.uk

Lee Anderson suspended from Tory party after racist Sadiq Khan rant

Sadiq Khan said Lee Anderson’s comments were ‘Islamophobic, anti Muslim and racist’
www.independent.co.uk www.independent.co.uk
 
Feel for those in London who have to deal with the brainless ULEZ expansion
 
hassan918 said:

Lee Anderson suspended from Tory party after racist Sadiq Khan rant​

Lee Anderson has been suspended from the Conservative Party after a racist rant about Sadiq Khan on GB News.

In a stunning fall from grace for Mr Anderson, who until last month was the deputy chairman of the party, he will no longer sit as a Tory MP.

It follows Mr Anderson’s refusal to apologise over a widely criticised interview in which he said “Islamists” have “got control” of Mr Khan.


www.independent.co.uk

Lee Anderson suspended from Tory party after racist Sadiq Khan rant

Sadiq Khan said Lee Anderson’s comments were ‘Islamophobic, anti Muslim and racist’
www.independent.co.uk www.independent.co.uk
Click to expand...

Sadiq Khan appears to be a terrible politician, but he's a lefty gone full woke, don't know where this idea he's an Islamist came from. Other than his race I suppose.
 
The mayor of London has faced death threats from Islamist extremists, the Guardian has learned in the same week he was accused by a former senior Tory MP of being under their control.

Sadiq Khan has been receiving police protection, usually reserved for a handful of senior cabinet ministers or royals, since 2017.

A source with knowledge of the security arrangements said that as well as currently facing threats of violence from the extreme far right, Khan also faces threats from Islamist extremists.

London’s mayor was vocal in denouncing Islamist terrorism when the city was subject to two Jihadist attacks in 2017, after the subsequent attack on Manchester, and when a far-right extremist targeted worshippers leaving a London mosque.

Khan, the first Muslim mayor of the capital, has a team of about 15 police protection officers protecting him around the clock.

Some Islamist extremists see Muslims in public office in western democracies as potential targets. As an MP, Khan voted for same-sex marriage and has championed gay rights as mayor.

It also emerged on Tuesday that a man had pleaded guilty to making threats against Khan after Lee Anderson’s comments.

Christopher Massey, 52, from Ipswich, twice called the control room of Suffolk constabulary.

The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed he had pleaded guilty on Monday to two counts of sending communication threatening death or serious harm.

The threat was made on Saturday. The charge against Massey said that in the phone call to police he had “conveyed a threat of death or serious harm to another, intending or being reckless as to whether an individual encountering the message would fear that the threat would be carried out”.

Massey is scheduled to be sentenced on 21 March at Ipswich magistrates court for the offences under the 2023 Online Safety Act.

A source close to the mayor of London said: “Sadiq faces threats from a wide range of sources. His main concern has always been the safety of his family, and also that young people from his background will be put off entering public life.”

www.theguardian.com

Sadiq Khan faces death threats from Islamist extremists, source says

News comes days after London mayor, who has round-the-clock police protection due to terrorist threats, is accused of being under Islamist control
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 

Sadiq Khan blasted over eye-watering six-figure salaries for staff: 'Beggars all belief!'​


Sadiq Khan has been challenged to justify whopping levels of public sector pay after new report showed that more than 1,000 people employed by City Hall - two-thirds of them for Transport for London (TfL) - earn more than £100,000.

The City Hall Rich List 2024, published this morning by the Taxpayers Alliance, reveals that the overall wage bill for the Greater London Authority currently rose 67 per cent, from £50.4million in 2016-17 to £84.2million in 2021-22.

In 2022-23, the GLA and its subsidiary bodies, including TfL and the London Fire Brigade employed at least 1,146 people who received over £100,000 in total remuneration.

Of these, 143 employees - including the Mayor himself - earned more than £150,000.

By comparison, in 2018-19, 655 employees received over £100,000 of which 155 collected over £150,000.

Howard Cox, Reform UK’s London Mayor candidate, who will take on Mr Khan on May 2, said: “The magnitude of remuneration for senior TfL staff beggars all belief.

“There is no justification to pay over 1100 Greater London City Hall employees more than £100,000, 67 percent of whom work for TfL.

“These are Khan's management elite that have generated a massive black hole of debt amounting to more than £15bn.

“It is more than sick that taxpayers in London and through the National Government bailouts are financing an incompetent management team to finance their lavish lifestyle.”

Mr Cox continued: “In private enterprises, this level of incompetence would result in management dismissals and corporations going out of business.

“It simply would not be allowed to reach this level of financial devastation.”

Mr Cox also claimed the Tory opposition in City Hall was also to blame.

He said: “They too have taken fat salaries and done nothing to stop Sadiq Khan’s fiscal wrecking ball and extravagant policies.
“My mayoralty will cut these fat salaries and their associated costly incompetence from day 1."

The Labour mayor has increased the band D council tax precept from £276 in 2016-17 to £396 in 2022-23, and £434 in 2023-24 for the GLA, an rise of 57 per cent since 2016-17, the TPA’s analysis indicates.

www.express.co.uk

Sadiq Khan blasted over eye-watering six-figure salaries for staff

Sadiq Khan himself was paid £171,587 in 2022/23, while his mayoral team earned a total of £2,174,374, averaging out at £144,958 per person.
www.express.co.uk www.express.co.uk
 
Nikhil_cric said:
Poor man. Hated by Islamist extremists , hated by the conservatives.
Click to expand...

Why are you bothered about fringe extremist groups? I'm sure he's hated by white power groups and hindutvas as well, but of course you don't want to mention those for some reason.

Khan is doing what most Labour mayors would do, putting in socialist policies which not everyone is a fan of. I certainly don't think much of the congestion charges or ridiculous bus lanes in London, but that would be the same if it was any other socialist Mayor implementing them.
 
Cpt. Rishwat said:
Why are you bothered about fringe extremist groups? I'm sure he's hated by white power groups and hindutvas as well, but of course you don't want to mention those for some reason.

Khan is doing what most Labour mayors would do, putting in socialist policies which not everyone is a fan of. I certainly don't think much of the congestion charges or ridiculous bus lanes in London, but that would be the same if it was any other socialist Mayor implementing them.
Click to expand...

It matters because he's from a Muslim background in a European country .

In fact, what's the point of mentioning Hindutvas in India and their opinions when it has no relevance in the UK.
 
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