London Elects a Muslim Mayor
As he was sworn in Saturday, Labour Party member Sadiq Khan said to rapturous applause that he “never dreamt” he would become London's mayor. His victory also makes him the first Muslim mayor of any European Union capital.
Sadiq Khan checks the time as he signs the document officially declaring him mayor of London. (The Independent)
Sadiq Khan checks the time as he signs the document officially declaring him mayor of London. (The Independent)
As he was sworn in Saturday to replace Boris Johnson, a Conservative, the Labour Party’s Sadiq Khan said to rapturous applause and a standing ovation that he “never dreamt” he would become London’s mayor.
Khan’s election ends the Conservative Party’s eight-year reign at City Hall. He’s the first Muslim mayor of any capital city in the European Union.
“I am determined to lead the most transparent, engaged and accessible administration London has ever seen and to represent every single community and every single part of our city as a mayor for all Londoners,” Khan said.
The Independent reports:
Mr Khan, who was elected on Friday with more than 1.3 million votes, emphasised his message of “hope over fear” amid controversy over his Conservative rival’s campaign.
Zac Goldsmith was accused of attempting to smear his opponent by linking him with alleged Islamist extremists with whom he had attended platforms or represented during his work as a lawyer.
Mr Khan’s success was seen as an embarrassment for the Tory camp, prompting some Conservatives and Mr Goldsmith’s own sister, Jemima Khan, to criticise their election tactics.
“I can’t quite believe the last 24 hours,” the new Mayor of London said after signing the document officially declaring him mayor, watched by leaders of different faiths.
“I never dreamt I could be standing here…I promise you that I will always do everything in my power to make our city better.”
—Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.
Your support is crucial…With an uncertain future and a new administration casting doubt on press freedoms, the danger is clear: The truth is at risk.
Now is the time to give. Your tax-deductible support allows us to dig deeper, delivering fearless investigative reporting and analysis that exposes what’s really happening — without compromise.
Stand with our courageous journalists. Donate today to protect a free press, uphold democracy and unearth untold stories.
The ruling against the government cites the Paris Agreement and block plans to add a third runway at Europe's biggest travel hub.
Its divorce from the European Union begins with negotiations firmly in the hands of a leader uninterested in human rights or accountability.
Although Britain's divorce terms have been approved, huge uncertainties surround the future.
Three-plus years after voters approved the referendum, the United Kingdom is on course to leave the European Union next week.
Though the outcome of the 2016 presidential contest should serve as an object lesson, the chattering class and centrists are at it again.
The British Prime Minister's vile novel, "72 Virgins," should have been an international scandal, argues Israeli socialist Moshé Machover.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.