Is Sadiq Khan Still Mayor of London? Status, Term, and Key Priorities

The short answer is a definitive yes. Sadiq Khan is still the Mayor of London, serving in a historic third term that began following the most recent election.

For one of the most visible and influential political roles in the United Kingdom, the question of who holds the keys to City Hall is constantly relevant. Londoners made their choice clear in the 2024 mayoral election, extending Sadiq Khan's mandate for another term.

A Historic Mandate: Serving a Third Term

Sadiq Khan, a Labour Party politician, has held the office of Mayor of London since 2016, succeeding Boris Johnson. His re-election in 2024 marked a significant milestone in the city's political history.

The 2024 Election Result

The latest London mayoral election took place in May 2024. The result secured Mr. Khan his third term, making him the first individual to achieve this feat since the role was created in 2000. This victory confirmed his continued leadership over the Greater London Authority (GLA), giving him the responsibility for citywide strategic government.

His current term will run until the next scheduled election, which is set to take place in May 2028.

Key Focus Areas of the Current Mayoral Term

As the Mayor of London, Khan is responsible for shaping policies across crucial areas like transport, policing, housing, and the environment. His third term continues to focus on a set of core priorities, often summarised by his pledge for a "fairer, safer and greener" London.

Key areas of focus during his current term include:

• Housing and Rent: Addressing the chronic housing crisis and cost of living pressures in the capital.
• Crime and Safety: Investing in and overseeing the Metropolitan Police Service to tackle violence, particularly knife crime, and ensure a safer city.
• Air Quality and Environment: Continuing the implementation and expansion of policies designed to cut air pollution, most notably the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
• Transport: Managing Transport for London (TfL), including the Tube network, buses, and new infrastructure projects.

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)

One of the most widely debated and significant policies of Sadiq Khan's tenure is the ULEZ. The scheme charges drivers of the most polluting vehicles to drive within the zone, which has been expanded to cover all London boroughs. This policy is central to his mission to improve public health by tackling toxic air quality across the city.

What Does the Mayor of London Do?

The Mayor is the chief executive of the Greater London Authority (GLA). This role is distinct from the Lord Mayor of the City of London, which is a ceremonial position for the City's financial district. The Mayor's extensive responsibilities include:

1. Setting London's budget and strategic direction.
2. Appointing the Commissioner of Transport for London (TfL).
3. Overseeing the strategic direction of the Metropolitan Police Service.

In short, Sadiq Khan remains the Mayor of London, wielding significant power and responsibility over the capital's strategic growth and day-to-day operations until the next mayoral contest in 2028.