London’s mayor, Sadiq Khan, has been re-elected for a third term after Thursday’s local elections in the UK.
Preliminary results shared by the BBC on Saturday suggest that Khan, a Labour Party member, has defeated Conservative Party’s Susan Hall, securing a third term of leadership in the British capital.
Khan held a considerable lead in the polls in the run-up to the vote. However, Labour Party were concerned whether its voters would turn out at all, a worry that proved unfounded.
According to preliminary results, Khan has retained a "comfortable" lead. The BBC predicts approximately 43% of the vote in favour of Khan, with Susan Hall trailing at 33%. The final result is not expected until Saturday evening.
"Congratulations to my colleague on his re-election," said City of Brussels mayor, Philippe Close. "This is the third time that Londoners have chosen the progressive candidate. Proof that in Europe, identity-driven withdrawal is not inevitable and that multiculturalism is a real asset!"|
Holding the position of mayor since 2016, Khan took over from Boris Johnson, who was mayor for eight years before becoming Prime Minister.
The Labour Party tasted multiple victories during these local elections, clinching offices in Liverpool and South Yorkshire. These results are seen as a crucial barometer for the next national election.
Khan was the first-ever Muslim mayor to be elected to lead the English capital.
