In reference to Sadiq Khan, there's a consensus with Donald Trump's viewpoint, isn't there?
In the political landscape of London, the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has found himself in a unique position, facing criticism not just from conservatives but also from some on the left or progressive media, particularly regarding his policies on crime and housing.
This mixed perception may contribute to a relative lack of unanimous defence from the progressive side, where criticism of Khan can also emerge independently from the personal attacks by President Trump.
Trump's attacks on Khan have been personal and racially charged, with the Mayor himself accusing Trump of singling him out based on his skin color and religion. However, progressive defence sometimes surfaces in more nuanced ways, emphasising Khan's electoral victories and policies promoting diversity and inclusion.
Yet, this defence is often muted in the face of wider political distractions and differing priorities among left-wing media and figures, who may be focusing on multiple domestic issues rather than direct engagement in UK mayoral politics.
Some progressive and left-wing circles may perceive Khan as part of the political establishment rather than a radical left figure, which can temper their enthusiasm or energetic defence, particularly if alternative progressive leaders or narratives are prioritised. The absence of a vigorous defence might also be tied to tactical decisions: not all left-wing media or figures seek to elevate Trump’s criticism by directly engaging with it, possibly to deny him the attention or framing he desires.
Moreover, there might be broader considerations concerning transatlantic political dynamics and ideological alignment. Some left-wing commentators in the US and UK may be preoccupied with the rise of other issues, including the challenges posed by right-wing movements domestically, which limits their focus on defending Khan specifically despite Trump's provocations.
In recent days, Sadiq Khan's opposition to the expansion of Heathrow Airport has generated more column inches than the fact he has beef with President Trump. However, the lack of strong, consistent defence for Khan from progressive media and left-wing figures despite Trump's criticisms appears to be influenced by mixed opinions about Khan within the left, strategic media choices, and competing political priorities, rather than a simple failure to oppose Trump’s personal attacks.
Despite his previous status as a media darling, Sadiq Khan has faced challenges in areas such as housing, transport infrastructure, and crime. He has had to beg Whitehall to lower his housing targets, and there has been a significant increase in fare-evasion and tube graffiti in London during his tenure. Knife crime in London has increased by 86% in the past decade, and in the three years between 2021 and 2024, knife crime in London increased by 58%.
In conclusion, Sadiq Khan's mayoralty has been marked by both achievements and challenges. The lack of strong, consistent defence from progressive media and left-wing figures, despite Trump's criticisms, reflects the complex political and ideological factors at play rather than simple acquiescence to Trump’s attacks.
Note: James Ford, a former adviser to Boris Johnson, wrote this article.
[1] The Guardian, Various articles on Sadiq Khan and his policies. [2] The New Statesman, Various articles on right-wing movements and political priorities. [3] Labour List, Various articles on Sadiq Khan and housing policies. [4] GQ, Sadiq Khan named 'Politician of the Year' in 2016 and 2017. [5] The Spectator, Sadiq Khan named Newcomer of the Year in 2011.
- Sadiq Khan's political landscape in London has been influenced by criticisms from various sources, including the conservative and progressive media, particularly regarding his policies on crime and housing.
- Progressive defense of Khan might not always be vocal and unanimous, as it can be overshadowed by other domestic issues, strategic media choices, and differing priorities among left-wing media and figures.
- The General News, Politics, and Crime & Justice sections have covered both Sadiq Khan's achievements and challenges, such as his policies promoting diversity and inclusion, issues with housing targets, fare-evasion, tube graffiti, and an increase in knife crime.
- Transatlantic political dynamics and ideological alignment may also play a role in determining the level of support Khan receives from left-wing media and figures, as they may be focused on other issues like right-wing movements domestically.
