Sadiq has been London’s mayor since 2016 and has played a key role in reducing London’s global emissions. However, many critics agure that Khan’s reintroduction of the (ULEZ) scheme has targeted the working class and has made many Londoners poorer. With Sadiq Khan being London’s first Muslim mayor, it is reported that he has received 300,000 pieces of racist abuse since he gained power.
How it all began for Sadiq Khan.
On the 8th October 1970, Sadiq would be born into a family of eight children. He would have humble beginnings as he would share a rented council-owned apartment with his siblings. His pride for his ethnicity and his upbringing is evident as he has spoken of his pride as a ‘Pakistani man’ and ‘his home is Tooting’. After studying law at the University of North London, Khan would graduate in 1994. As a lawyer he would specialise in human rights often launching cases against the government and the police. Sadiq would also be elected as a local Labour Party councillor for Tooting. After the 7/7 attacks, Khan would face some controversy for saying how ‘ the violence reflected the views of a small minority’. It would be a risky stance - for someone of his background as he received death threats. His reward would be the plaudits he received for his position on the terror attacks and in October 2008 he would become the state minister for Transport.
His achievements as London mayor.
Susan Hall - who was his rival during the London mayoral elections - has critisced how Sadiq Khan is the reason why London is suffering from knife crime. Sadiq Khan has also spoken publicly about her ‘ racist conduct’. An investigation from the Guardian, found out how Susan Hall was part of a Facebook group riddled with racism and abuse that was directed at Sadiq Khan. This shocking fact has proven how a lot of politicians are still endorsing in racism. According to london.gov.uk, Khan’s reintroduction of (ULEZ) has reduced the number of older, more polluting vehicles in London by half since June 2023. Emily Thornberry a Labour MP has praised ‘Sadiq’s investment in school meals and his role as a mayor for all Londoners’. With regards to tackling crime, Sadiq will be investing in the Violent Reduction Unit. This fund will aim to deter young people from going into crime and will ensure that they aren’t forming any gangs. Bruce Houlder - who is part of Fighting Knife Crime London - has spoken about how this ‘‘investment of this sort does save lives’’. The (VRU) will also aim to expand the number of youth clubs that are available in London and ensure that there is a variety of after-school clubs.
What does the future hold.
Recently, there is speculation that Sadiq Khan will be London mayor until 2040. Khan is currently London’s longest-serving mayor and has a catalogue of accolades. His most impressive achievements are; free school meals for children in state primary schools, an increase in 1,300 police officers being present in London despite Tory cuts, £500 million pounds spent to cut carbon emissions and he is a vocal supporter for renters. I think that these facts prove that he is a politician that genuinely cares and is consistently transforming London.