'Hope won' - Sadiq Khan celebrates new NYC mayor

November 5, 2025

London Mayor Sadiq Khan congratulated Zohran Mamdani on becoming New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor, drawing comparisons between their electoral victories as triumphs of hope over fear. Both leaders share similar backgrounds as social democrats and Muslim mayors of major global cities, though Khan emphasized they won by addressing voter concerns rather than campaigning on their faith. The two mayors face criticism from Donald Trump, with Mamdani's election occurring despite Trump's opposition and threats to withhold city funding.

Who is affected

Zohran Mamdani (newly elected NYC mayor)
Sir Sadiq Khan (London mayor)
New York City residents
London residents
Donald Trump (US President)
Andrew Cuomo (former Democrat-turned-independent candidate)
Boris Johnson (former London mayor, referenced indirectly)
Eric Adams (former NYC mayor)

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article. The article primarily discusses a completed election and past interactions between the individuals mentioned.

Why it matters

This election represents significant historical milestones, with both London and New York now led by Muslim mayors for the first time, demonstrating the diversity and evolving political landscape of two of the world's most influential cities. The victories symbolize broader themes of inclusive politics prevailing over divisive campaigns, particularly in an era where both mayors face opposition from figures like Trump who critics accuse of using faith and identity for political polarization. The parallel successes also highlight how major Western cities are embracing progressive, multicultural leadership despite national-level political tensions.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC