Sadiq Khan Signals Ambition for Unprecedented Fourth Term as London Mayor
Labour's Sadiq Khan has dropped his strongest hint yet that he intends to seek an unprecedented fourth term as Mayor of London in the 2028 election. In a recent interview, the politician revealed he has already formulated campaign plans and is preparing strategies to counter both fringe candidate Count Binface and the Reform UK party.
Preparing for Political Battles Ahead
Speaking to the Evening Standard in Deptford this week, Khan explicitly stated: 'Once the election begins, we know who the candidates are, I will have a strategy to deal with both Count Binface and Reform.' This declaration comes as the mayor faces mounting questions about his suitability for continued leadership amid London's cost-of-living crisis and rising property prices that have prompted some residents to leave the capital.
Khan specifically targeted Reform's current London mayoral candidate Laila Cunningham, who recently sparked controversy by advocating for police to stop and search women wearing burkas. 'The problem is, I don't know if the Reform candidate will still be the candidate in 2028,' Khan remarked, suggesting Cunningham might not retain her candidacy by the time the election arrives.
Defending His Record on Immigration and Diversity
The mayor has recently mounted a vigorous defense of his immigration stance, pushing back against critics who claim London has become more dangerous. In a social media post, Khan argued there has been a drastic fall in legal migration that provides progressives with an opportunity to reset the immigration debate.
'For too long the immigration debate has been dictated by the hysteria, hatred and fearmongering of the far-right,' Khan wrote. 'They paint a dystopian picture of London as a city that's fallen. And let's be frank - they do so because they can't stand what London represents - a city that's diverse, progressive and thriving.'
During a speech at London's Guildhall, Khan launched a scathing attack on both Reform and Conservative politicians, accusing them of opposing what he called London's diverse and progressive character. Reform chairman Zia Yusuf responded by criticizing what he described as Khan's advocacy for 'mass untrammelled immigration.'
Addressing Crime Concerns and Political Criticism
Khan has also released data claiming London is safer than ever, pointing to Metropolitan Police figures showing the capital's murder rate has fallen to its lowest level in decades. The mayor insists this evidence disproves suggestions from former US President Donald Trump and other right-wing politicians that crime in London is out of control.
Last year, Trump called Khan a 'horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor' and criticized European immigration policies. Khan hit back, claiming such attacks were grooming and radicalising extremists in Britain. 'My concern about when President Trump says some of the things he does is he normalises and brings to the mainstream views that I think are unacceptable,' the mayor stated.
Making History as London's Longest-Serving Mayor
Should Khan succeed in securing a fourth term, he would extend his record as London's longest-serving mayor. There are currently no term limits for the position, and Khan already holds the distinction after winning his third term in May 2024. His potential 2028 campaign would test whether Londoners continue to support his vision for the capital amid ongoing debates about immigration, crime, and economic pressures facing residents.
