When Labour’s Sadiq Khan was elected Mayor of London, following into the footsteps of ever popular, larger than life Boris Johnson, few thought he could take London by storm. But after just few months, he proved more than a match for Boris.
He oozes confidence, has gained support from ethnic minorities, Jews, Hindus and Sikhs by his broad approach, visiting Jewish synagogue on holocaust day, Hare Krishna and Swaminarayan temples. His recent visits to Kingsbury Swaminarayan temple with eye catching photographs in local papers and AV speaks volume. He is indeed a bright spot in otherwise troubled Labour Party. His endorsement of Owen Smith for Labour leadership contest would go down well among Labour MPs and moderate element in the party.
Many genuine Labour supporters see him as future Labour leader who could galvanize the party and make it electable, although it is too early to speculate. His main task would be to seek second term and give hard pressed Londoners affordable homes which are in short supply. It would not be an easy task, as land is in short supply and there is considerable opposition to building homes on virgin green land.
Moreover big land owners that include supermarkets, private landlords and building firms buy land as long term investment rather than for immediate usage. Let us wish lustre Sadiq a roaring success and long lease as Mayer of this bustling city of London he richly deserves.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
