For the first time in my life, I decided to vote for the mayoral elections that were held on the 5th of May. It just so happened that the very candidate that I voted for, and encouraged my parents to vote for, ended up tasting the sweet victory of becoming the first Muslim mayor of London in British political history. He goes by the name of *drum-roll* Sadiq Khan, a MP for the Tooting borough in South London.
First Muslim Mayor of London in British Political History : Sadiq Khan
Khan is a British Asian Muslim from London, who has now become mayor of London. The very labels 'Asian' and 'Muslim' should not be as heavily identified as it is in the media - however, these labels are a cause for celebration for people from ethnic minority backgrounds like myself - how often do we see a Brown mayor, and especially one that is Muslim. Tory candidate Zac Goldmsith built a campaign around fear and hostility towards his rival Khan and yet he did not manage to win his crown at City Hall.
Goldsmith has gone far enough to suggest Khan is radical for supposedly sharing platforms with extremists and as a result recriminations have broken out that he is Islamophobia. Only God knows alone what is in Goldsmith's heart, but if he does view Muslims as threats, then I only pray Khan proves him wrong. Although David Cameron
For many working-class, ethnic minority and Muslim people, Khan is an inspiration. He is solid proof that no matter your income, whether or not you studied at Eaton or your dad is a bus driver like his is, you can climb the big ladder and be in a position of authority and power. To see someone else from your ethnic background and religious background, particularly as a Muslim, in a time in which Islam is repetitively maligned and spoken about in the context of radicalization and terrorism, the win of Khan as London mayor is very heart-warming to say the least.
Furthermore, Khan as mayor goes beyond inspiration - it brings people like me hope, whether you're Black, Asian, Sikh or Muslim, in that he is a mayor for "all Londoners". He is for the greater good of the majority, not just for the minority. He is representing the underclass and in doing so, many uncles and aunties, and the youth roaming around aimlessly in the streets of London are going to be relying on him to make London life more easier and fruitful. The fact that he has vowed to improve the housing crisis and ensure the skills gap is closed in London by producing a new skills agenda is of comfort to those who want to experience social mobility and succeed further in their life.
Though Khan is selfless in attempting to create a London that is safer, smarter and smoother, he has been labelled a sell out by Londoners, who are not even sure of themselves. So though he has received overwhelming support and love from ordinary Londoners, some have taken badly to his liberal Muslim views and his neutral attitude about gay rights and marriage.
Khan comes from humble beginnings, good opportunities and a remarkable mind full of ideas to benefit us as a city, and so I look forward to a London, under his political influence. His victory is not just his, but the victory of every person in London who believes in social diversity and hope for the future!