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| PA Media |
NEWSLINE PAPER,- After a fierce campaign against Conservative challenger Susan Hall, Labour's Sadiq Khan won a historic third straight term as mayor of London. With a staggering margin of victory of almost 276,000 votes, or a 3.2% swing in favour of Labour, Khan confirmed his leadership by winning nine of the fourteen constituencies, including two from the Tories.
Following the announcement of his victory at City Hall in east London, Khan thanked and showed humility among the more than 2.4 million votes cast, which reflects a turnout of 42.8%, which is little lower than the previous mayoral election. In reiterating his dedication to the city, he said, "It is the honor of my life to serve the city that I love." "Today is not about making history, it is about shaping our future," Khan said, emphasizing the need of refuting fear mongering despite the constant hostility he encountered during the campaign.
While thanking his opponents and Londoners who backed him, Khan also urged Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to hold a general election. Susan Hall urged Khan to give the improvement of London for all first priority and congratulated him on his victory. She also promised to hold him responsible for the welfare of women, drivers, and hardworking families.
On Saturday at 9:00 BST, the counting started. Later, all of the candidates were supposed to gather at City Hall for the formal announcement. Along with taking over from the Conservatives in West Central and South West, Khan won important constituencies including Lambeth & Southwark, Barnet & Camden, and City of London & East. Susan Hall, however, kept outlying London municipalities like Croydon & Sutton and Havering & Redbridge.
Khan easily outpaced Hall, who received 811,518 votes, with a total of just under 1,088,225. Third place went to the Liberal Democrats, who edged out the Green Party; Howard Cox, the candidate of Reform UK, placed fifth with 3.2% of the vote overall.
Labour group leader of the London Assembly Len Duvall boldly predicted Khan's victory before the official results were announced, pointing out the tendencies that were in his favour. Duvall called the Conservative campaign disappointing and credited Khan's success in part to the backing of Liberal Democrats and Greens.
Later on Saturday, more results are expected as the counting for London Assembly constituency members and London-wide members begins, which will influence the political environment of the capital.
(Newsline Paper Teams)