London’s new mayor, Sadiq Khan, yesterday thanked voters for choosing “unity over division” as he became the first Muslim leader of a major Western capital.
In a second-round run-off vote, the son of Pakistani immigrants beat Conservative multimillionaire Zac Goldsmith with 57 percent, or 1.3 million votes, giving him the largest personal mandate of any British politician.
Khan swept to victory, despite repeated accusations from his rivals, including British Prime Minister David Cameron, that he sympathized with Islamic extremists — which he denies.
Photo: AP
“This election was not without controversy and I am so proud that London has today chosen hope over fear and unity over division,” the 45-year-old said in his acceptance speech. “I hope that we will never be offered such a stark choice again. Fear doesn’t make us safer, it only makes us weaker, and the politics of fear is simply not welcome in our city.”
The victory offered some cheer for Labour after setbacks elsewhere following regional elections across Britain on Thursday, as a row over anti-Semitism in the party that has damaged leader Jeremy Corbyn continued to rage.
“Congratulations Sadiq Khan. Can’t wait to work with you to create a London that is fair for all!” Corbyn tweeted.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio was among the first to tweet his congratulations to “fellow affordable housing advocate, @SadiqKhan. Look forward to working together!”
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