Sadiq Khan: the Labour mayoral candidate on housing in London
Earlier today Sadiq Khan was named Labour's candidate for Mayor of London. The former human rights solicitor beat Labour heavyweights including Tessa Jowell and Diane Abbott for the nomination. In the final round of votes Khan was selected with 58.9% of the vote, compared to Tessa Jowell’s 41.1%.
The London mayoral election takes place on 5 May 2016 and housing is likely to be a major campaign issue. Based on Khan's acceptance speech, housing is certainly at the forefront of his mind:
“London gave me and my family huge opportunities. A council house so we could save for a deposit to buy our own home. A secure job for my dad as a bus driver. A great education for me and my siblings, affordable university places and good quality apprenticeships.
“As mayor I will provide more opportunities for all Londoners. My priorities for Londoners are clear. An affordable and secure home to rent or buy. More jobs with higher wages for the lowest paid. Making it easier to set up and run a successful business. Reducing the cost of commuting and making London’s environment safer, healthier and less polluted.”
But what do we know about Khan's views on housing so far? We know that he wants to ban poor doors. That he wants to develop a London Home Bond. And that he wants to stop new homes 'being flogged off at sky-high prices in Hong Kong exhibitions before they’re even finished'.
We also know how he has voted on housing issues in parliament:
- Consistently voted against reducing housing benefit for social tenants deemed to have excess bedrooms (known as the bedroom tax)
- Almost always voted for an annual tax on the value of expensive homes (known as the mansion tax)
- Consistently voted for restrictions on fees charged to tenants by letting agents
Data: They Work For You
Finally, we know from an article in Fabian's 'Our London: The Capital Beyond 2015' that he believes that London needs 'bold and radical solutions', namely secure and affordable rents, more social housing, genuinely affordable affordable housing and improved standards in the private rented sector.
As ever it will be interesting to hear the substance behind his suggestions in the months to come.
Read more: Labour’s London mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan on housing
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Carla Bradman is the marketing manager at Paramount and writes a blog about small business marketing.