Sadiq Khan has secured his third term as London’s mayor, emerging victorious in the English local elections that showcased a significant surge for the Labour Party. Khan triumphed with 43.7% of the votes, beating Conservative opponent Susan Hall by about 11 percentage points.
This result not only confirms Labour’s strong performance in the English local elections but also underscores the challenging times ahead for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Conservative Party. The Conservatives suffered substantial losses, losing control of 10 local councils and nearly 500 councilor positions. Labour’s leader, Keir Starmer, stated that the Conservative government no longer deserves to be in power after 14 years of deteriorating conditions.
Sunak, despite these setbacks, managed to avoid leadership challenges within his party by maintaining control in some key regions, including the West Midlands. These elections serve as a precursor to the upcoming general election, which must occur by January 2025, and Labour currently holds a substantial lead in opinion polls.
Khan’s third-term win solidifies his position as the first London mayor to achieve this feat since the post was established in 2000. Throughout his tenure, Khan has focused on reducing emissions and has occasionally clashed with previous Labour leaders and other high-profile figures, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Despite Khan’s success, critics have targeted his record on knife crime and his expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), which they claim disproportionately affects lower-income families in outer London. Additionally, Labour’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict may have influenced some of its results in areas with large Muslim populations, notably causing the loss of Oldham Council.
Overall, Sadiq Khan’s re-election cements his legacy as a leading figure in London politics, while Labour’s broad success in the English local elections suggests a shift in the UK’s political landscape. However, the road ahead may present new challenges as parties prepare for the forthcoming general election.
