Sadiq Khan warned by Robert Jenrick on housing policy control
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Sadiq Khan is the odds-on favourite to secure re-election as Labour London Mayor after polls closed in the capital. However, he has already been hit with a devastating ultimatum from the Government, as Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick threatened to take away his powers. Mr Jenrick told LBC overnight that the Government could “if necessary” take control of housing policy in London from the Mayor.
He complained that billions of pounds had been wasted by Mr Khan during his first term as Mayor.
LBC host Tom Swarbrick said: “It is looking very likely to be a two-term London Mayor.
“In Westminster elections, London is very, very red. What can you do to appeal to Londoners as a party that pushed through Brexit? London is very opposed to Brexit.”
Mr Jenrick responded: “There are clear issues we are campaigning on in London and will be very important in the years ahead.”
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He continued: “We can give resources and we can hold the mayor to account.
“Cutting crime, for example, and ensuring there is a tough approach to crime.
“And getting more homes built in London. Khan has a woeful record on that.
“I’ve given Sadiq Khan billions of pounds to build affordable homes in London and he’s not succeeded in doing that.
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“We will, if necessary, take the powers to reach in and do so.in London.
“We will champion the economy of London as it builds back better.
“I am sure they will bounce back but they are going through a difficult period as we move out of the pandemic.”
The results of the London Mayoral election are not expected to be known until Saturday evening.
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City Hall officials expect the first results to be announced at approximately 6pm.
Opinion polls had handed Mr Khan a commanding lead over his Conservative rival Shaun Bailey although the gap narrowed in recent weeks.
Mr Khan was understood to be on edge after Labour sources reported a lower than expected turnout at polling stations.
Figures suggest just 11.6 percent of the total turnout at the last London Mayoral election had turned up at polling stations by midday.
The figure is far lower than had been expected by the Labour Party, driving concerns of a shock result.
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