In a dramatic escalation of their long-running feud, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has made an extraordinary intervention in American politics by publicly endorsing far-left candidate Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor.
Transatlantic Political Warfare Reignited
The Labour mayor's decision to wade into the heated New York mayoral race represents his most direct challenge yet to Donald Trump's influence on American politics. Mr Khan, who has frequently clashed with the former US president, used a high-profile social media post to throw his weight behind Mr Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America.
"We need more politicians like Zohran Mamdani on both sides of the Atlantic," declared Mr Khan in his endorsement, which immediately drew both praise and condemnation from political commentators.
From London to New York: A Progressive Alliance
Mr Mamdani, currently serving in the New York State Assembly, is running on a platform that includes:
- Expanding social housing and rent control measures
- Defunding police departments and reinvesting in communities
- Implementing Green New Deal policies at city level
- Establishing Medicare-for-All style healthcare coverage
The endorsement signals Mr Khan's commitment to building an international progressive movement that transcends national boundaries. "This isn't just about New York politics - it's about creating a global front against right-wing populism," a source close to the mayor revealed.
History of Hostility
The bitter relationship between Mr Khan and Mr Trump dates back to 2018, when the London mayor described the then-president's policies as "divisive and ignorant." Mr Trump responded by calling Mr Khan a "stone cold loser" who had done a "terrible job" as mayor.
Their feud intensified following the 2019 London Bridge attacks, with both figures engaging in very public criticism of each other's leadership and policies.
Political Fallout and Reactions
The endorsement has sparked intense debate on both sides of the Atlantic. Supporters argue that Mr Khan is right to support progressive allies internationally, while critics accuse him of inappropriate interference in another country's democratic processes.
Conservative MPs have condemned the move, with one senior figure describing it as "a staggering lack of judgement that could damage UK-US relations." Meanwhile, progressive groups have welcomed what they see as a bold stand against Trumpism.
As New Yorkers prepare to go to the polls, all eyes will be on whether Mr Khan's transatlantic endorsement can sway voters in one of America's most politically significant cities.
