London- Sadiq Khan, 45, a Labor Party leader, a former human rights lawyer and a son of a bus driver from Pakistan, was declared the victor after a protracted count that extended into Saturday; thus, becoming the first Muslim to lead Britain’s capital after beating Tory Zac Goldsmith.
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“Sending congratulations to London’s new mayor and fellow affordable housing advocate Sadiq Khan”, de Blasio said.
As expected, in much of the Western world, the focus was not on Khan’s abilities as a politician, but on his religion.
“So I wanted to do this signing in ceremony here, in the very heart of our city, surrounded by Londoners of all backgrounds”.
Goldsmith congratulated Khan in a statement Saturday and said “I wish him well”.
Khan was elected to replace Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson after a campaign marked – and many said marred – by USA -style negative campaigning.
Speaking on the negative campaigning against him, the Labour Party candidate said that the poll was not without controversy and he was proud that the British capital chose unity over division and hope over fear.
The 45-year-old son of a Pakistani immigrant and London bus driver won out against Conservative rival Zac Goldsmith, 41, the son a wealthy tycoon.
“Congratulations Sadiq Khan. Can’t wait to work with you to create a London that is fair for all!”
Jemima Goldsmith questioned the tactics, saying they did not reflect the “eco-friendly, independent-minded politician with integrity” she knew her brother to be.
As Mr Khan stepped up to the microphone to give his victory speech, Mr Golding turned his back away from the audience and remained facing the wall until the end of the speech.
“I grew up on a council estate just a few miles from here”.
Meanwhile, Conservatives have been defending Mr Goldsmith’s mayoral campaign, which was criticised for linking Mr Khan to Islamic extremists.
The Defence Secretary was repeatedly challenged on Today to say whether he was anxious about the capital’s security with Mr Khan in City Hall.
“Imran Khan’s reliance on rich electables would have been thought of as a necessary evil if only they actually won their elections”, said Professor Fayaz Hassan, chairperson political science department at LUMS.
A human rights solicitor by training, Khan became Britain’s first Muslim cabinet minister in 2009 when Gordon Brown made him transport minister.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo added on Twitter that Mr Khan’s “humanity, progressivism will benefit Londoners”. “So many people are just revolted by what was said about Sadiq, yesterday they came out and voted for us”, said Corbyn, in reference to the Conservative party’s attempts to link Khan with extremist views in the United Kingdom capital.
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Sadiq Khan pledged to tackle the capital’s housing crisis.
