London Elects a Muslim Mayor

As he was sworn in Saturday to replace Boris Johnson, a Conservative, the Labour Party’s Sadiq Khan said to rapturous applause and a standing ovation that he “never dreamt” he would become London’s mayor.

Khan’s election ends the Conservative Party’s eight-year reign at City Hall. He’s the first Muslim mayor of any capital city in the European Union.

“I am determined to lead the most transparent, engaged and accessible administration London has ever seen and to represent every single community and every single part of our city as a mayor for all Londoners,” Khan said.

The Independent reports:

Mr Khan, who was elected on Friday with more than 1.3 million votes, emphasised his message of “hope over fear” amid controversy over his Conservative rival’s campaign.

Zac Goldsmith was accused of attempting to smear his opponent by linking him with alleged Islamist extremists with whom he had attended platforms or represented during his work as a lawyer.

Mr Khan’s success was seen as an embarrassment for the Tory camp, prompting some Conservatives and Mr Goldsmith’s own sister, Jemima Khan, to criticise their election tactics.

“I can’t quite believe the last 24 hours,” the new Mayor of London said after signing the document officially declaring him mayor, watched by leaders of different faiths.

“I never dreamt I could be standing here…I promise you that I will always do everything in my power to make our city better.”

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—Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.