New York has just elected its first Muslim mayor in history—Zohran Mamdani. The far-right outrage machine is already in full swing: “communist,” “Islamist,” “he’ll destroy New York”, “disaster!”
We’ve seen this before in London, when Sadiq Khan was elected mayor in 2016. They said he’d impose Sharia law. Destroy English culture. Ban alcohol…
Instead, Khan gradually introduced free bus transfers, significantly reducing public transport costs for Londoners. He launched the Night Tube. He’s building affordable housing. He implemented Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), which have led to a measurable improvement in air quality. As a practicing Muslim, he marches every year at the front of the Pride parade with a rainbow flag. He attends the annual lighting of the Hanukkah menorah, as well as the Hindu festival of colours, Diwali. And even though he’s a abstinent, he actively defends traditional English pubs.
It was Khan who restarted crime prevention programs that had been scrapped by Conservative austerity. And according to recently published statistics, London has just recorded its lowest number of homicides in the past nine months since 2003. These aren’t impressions or clickbait headlines. These are official figures—and the daily reality of someone who lives in London.
Of course, not everything is perfect. The city still faces many challenges. But what matters is that there’s a vision, an effort, and tangible results.
I’ve been reading through Mamdani’s key policy points. His platform focuses primarily on the least privileged. Many of his proposals are bold, and it’s likely that the federal government—acting on behalf of the oligarchy—will try to obstruct him at every turn. But Mamdani seems determined to make change happen, and he brings a freshness and energy that’s ready to fight. Let’s give him time—and see how he does.