Sir Sadiq Khan has marked ten years as Mayor of London, reflecting on his tenure with characteristic enthusiasm while defending his record on housing, transport, and air quality. In an interview at City Hall, he described his role as 'the best job in the world' and emphasised the 'London promise' that hard work and a helping hand can lead to achievement.
Khan, who grew up in a three-bedroom council house as one of eight children of a Pakistani immigrant bus driver, dismissed criticism over inequality, crime, and division. He highlighted London's status as a global capital for music, culture, sports, and students, and claimed it is safer than several major cities including Berlin, Brussels, and every US state.
The mayor, who has served under six prime ministers, ruled out any ambition to become Labour leader or prime minister, stating with '100 per cent certainty' that he will not seek those roles. He praised current Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, despite recent local election setbacks and leadership speculation.
Khan was critical of his predecessor Boris Johnson, calling him a 'Bollinger drinking buffoon' and 'absentee landlord', while acknowledging Ken Livingstone as 'very good' but overstaying. He also addressed ongoing hostility from US President Donald Trump, who has called him a 'stone-cold loser' and made false claims about sharia law in London.
Despite Trump's attacks, Khan remains popular in London, with a Survation poll showing a +74 approval rating, nearly double that of potential leadership rival Andy Burnham. He dismissed online negativity about the city, noting record numbers of American tourists and students.
