Sadiq Khan has completed ten years as Mayor of London, remaining in office through major political changes in the United Kingdom. Since his first election a decade ago, five British prime ministers—David Cameron, Theresa May, Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak—have left office, with Keir Starmer now serving as prime minister. Khan, the son of a South London bus driver, has been elected three times and is among the longest-serving mayors in the city’s history. Reflecting on his tenure, he described London as a living example of hope and said his greatest lesson has been learning to build coalitions across political and community lines.

Khan’s decade in office has spanned Brexit, the pandemic, terrorist attacks, and the Grenfell Tower fire. As London’s first Muslim mayor, he has also faced racist and Islamophobic attacks, notably from former U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he called racist and Islamophobic in response. Khan emphasized that London’s diversity stands as a symbol against extreme nationalism.

Highlighting his environmental record, Khan cited the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone, new cycling lanes, electric buses, and citywide tree planting. He said London has become greener, safer, and fairer but acknowledged ongoing challenges from climate change, heatwaves, floods, and air pollution.