Everyone in the UK must have a vote on who is elected Mayor of London.

Sadiq Kahn has been getting involved in foreign political matters and policies that affect not just London but the rest of the UK. If any Mayor of London can meddle (Unchecked) in political activities that affect the whole of the UK, then the whole of the UK should have a say in who is Mayor!

His pro-Hillary Clinton tour of the United States, whose appointment will have an affect on everyone in the UK. His joint venture with Obama to tackle anti hate speech against Muslims online.. no mention of hate crimes committed by Muslims. He recently quoted “too many white men” working for the city’s underground train service.

As part of the continued devolution of powers to London, it is important that strong and active leadership is provided in the form of the Mayor of London. The Government has previously expressed its support for the localisation of power where good leadership and accountability could be provided. The London Mayor is part of this, exercising considerable power over a number of policy areas.

A strong and vibrant London is essential to the wider economy and it is right that the Mayor of London is able to put forward his opinions on issues that he deems will influence this. The same ability to put forward opinions for consideration is available to all elected leaders, many of whom do so.

Furthermore, it is the residents of London who fund the services provided by the Greater London Authority via precepts and therefore up to them to hold the Mayor to account at the ballot box.

Department for Communities and Local Government