5 Things To Know About London’s New Mayor (Who Happens To Be Muslim)


Get used to hearing the name Sadiq Khan. The 45-year old politician justĀ won the election for mayor of London by a large margin. His election is catching the attention of people around the world, in part, because he happens to be Muslim.


Here are five things to know about Sadiq Khan:

  1. He will be the city’s first mayor who is Muslim.
  2. He was born in London to parents who immigrated from Pakistan. His father was a bus driver, his mother a seamstress.
  3. He is a lawyer and once led a human rights organization. His career in law focused primarily on social justice issues.
  4. He is a Member of Parliament and he was also the first Muslim cabinet minister.
  5. His platform focuses on providing affordable and accessible housing for Londoners, easing transportation woes for users of public transportation and cyclists, and reducing violence.


All Things Considered” talked to Pippa Crerar, city hall editor for the London Evening Standard about Khan and asked her what it would mean if he were elected.

“…it sends out a huge message globally because London will have elected a Muslim mayor, or rather a mayor that happens to be Muslim – elected him obviously for his policies – despite the fact that the city has, in the past, experienced terrorism and could have turned in on itself. But instead [it] decides to face outwards and show how diverse and open it is to to have voted for somebody who will be a beacon, really, for freedom and tolerance.”

Featured image by Policy Exchange, Creative Commons BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons