Sadiq Khan began his third term as London mayor on Tuesday with a pledge to make the capital the best city in the world to grow up in — and a tribute to his Pakistani parents who faced hostilities when they first arrived in the city which has now historically elected Sadiq Khan for the third term.
The Labour incumbent won a historic third term at the polls last week, becoming the first London mayor to do so, with a majority of some 275,000 over Conservative rival Susan Hall, increasing his share of votes and making unprecedented inroads in new areas of London.
Speaking at a declaration of office ceremony held in the Tate Modern, Khan set out his stall for the capital’s young people and nightlife.
He told the audience about his Pakistani bus driver father who faced racism and hate. Yet, Sadiq Khan said London was the greatest city on the earth because just a generation later the same city made him a Mayor and went on to re-elect him thrice.
Sadiq Khan said: “My Pakistani bus driver’s father served London. He was a proud Londoner. When he arrived here from Pakistan, he was met with signboards in shops and guest houses that read ’No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs’. My father was not white. And yet one generation on, thanks to the struggle and sacrifice of so many, his son, the child of immigrants of Pakistani origin, Asian heritage and Islamic faith, has been able to go from a South London council estate to become Mayor of the city he adored.
“And not only that but won re-election, not once but twice. And that’s a reminder to everyone to know why London is special, the city of pluralism.”
Accompanied by his wife and two daughters, Sadiq Khan added: “My name is Sadiq Khan and I am still the Mayor of London.
Sadiq Khan Khan said he wants to make free school meals permanent in London’s state primary schools, fund more youth clubs and mental health support, as well as invest in high-quality mentoring.
The mayor said he was proud that his campaign of positivity was able to overcome what he considered to be divisive and dishonest Tory tactics.
