The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has criticised government plans to explore a bid for the north of England to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, arguing that excluding the capital would be a 'missed opportunity'. Ministers have commissioned a strategic assessment by UK Sport that could lead to a bid for the 2040s, which would be the first time the Games are held in Britain since London 2012.
A spokesperson for Khan stated that London is the 'sporting capital of the world' and that the mayor has expressed ambition for the capital to be part of a future Games. They added that a country-wide bid using existing assets, including the publicly owned London Stadium, would deliver the best possible Olympics, leveraging London's world-class infrastructure for a green and sustainable Games while unlocking economic growth across the UK.
The plans have been welcomed by two northern ministers: culture secretary Lisa Nandy, MP for Wigan, and chancellor Rachel Reeves, MP for Leeds West and Pudsey. Nandy said it was time the Olympics 'came north', highlighting the region's sporting excellence and potential to show its offerings to the world. Reeves expressed full support for bringing the Games back to boost the northern growth corridor, alongside stadium regeneration plans such as at Elland Road in Leeds.
The government has also taken steps to support major sporting events, including appointing former Scottish first minister Lord McConnell as a ministerial adviser on soft power and major events, and introducing a sporting events bill to facilitate bidding. London has hosted the Summer Olympics three times (1908, 1948, 2012), while Los Angeles is set to host in 2028.
