London PPCs sign open letter in support of Sadiq Khan’s Mayor bid

Seven Labour candidates who stood unsuccessfully in London seats in May have written an open letter in support of Sadiq Khan’s campaign to become the Labour candidate for Mayor of London. Khan has had a good few days, with speculation that he could pip frontrunner Tessa Jowell mounting. Yesterday, former Labour leader Neil Kinnock added his support to Khan’s campaign, writing in the Mirror that “we need Sadiq’s experience, deep understanding, radicalism, creativity, and determination to look forward and outward for answers”.

Today, the Evening Standard report that Labour-supporting comedian Bill Bailey has also come out in support for Khan. He told the paper that “we need a mayor who is going to fight for a fairer, better London. I’m convinced Sadiq Khan is that person”.

In their open letter, the seven PPCs say they believe Khan has the best chance of winning next May and praises his policies, particularly on transport. You can read the full letter below:

We write this letter in support of Sadiq Khan as recent parliamentary candidates from across London.

In our view, Sadiq offers Labour’s best chance of recapturing City Hall.

Between us, we stood in seats across the city – north, south, east and west – from the centre of London to zone 6.

During our campaigns, we spoke to thousands of voters, hearing from them about their anxieties for the future, and what kind of London they want to live in.

We know only too well that London is at a major crossroads – do we opt for business as usual with a Mayor who won’t stand up to the powerful, or do we go for a Mayor with the guts to defend the interests of all Londoners.

We go with the latter, and it is our strong view that Sadiq is the candidate with the track record and skills to win.

He also has the solutions to the problems affecting all London, from the Square Mile to the suburbs.

He knows how families across London are being priced out of the city, and how parents worry whether their children will be able to afford to live in the communities they grew up in.

This is why his plans for building more truly affordable homes to buy and rent will make a real difference, and why he’s right to oppose Government plans to sell off more social homes without replacing them.

He understands how rising costs of public transport makes it difficult for many people to get to work or to visit loved ones.

This is why his plan to freeze fares for four years and cut bus fares in year 1 is so important.

He knows the impact Government cuts are having on the ability of London’s local councils to deliver core services.

This is why he’ll be a champion for all Londoners, standing up to the worst excesses of the Tories.

He gets that we can’t put up with air so filthy it’s making Londoners ill and killing many prematurely.

This is why his plans for electric buses, a bigger ultra low emission zone and more cycling are right for London.

He knows how many people are struggling to make ends meet, even those in work.

This is why he’s got a plan to raise the skills level of Londoners, why he’ll campaign for a London living wage to give the city more and well paid jobs we need.

He grasps what London needs to do to maintain its position amongst global cities.

This is why he’s committed to investing in London’s infrastructure, like Crossrail 2.

He knows how tough it is for local authorities to cope with the deep cuts imposed on them by the Tory Government.

This is why he’s determined to work with councils across London to insulate people from the impact of the Tory cuts.

Sadiq also captures the spirit of modern London.

The son of immigrants who came to London to make a better life, he worked hard to get from the council estate to the cabinet table.

But he knows the opportunities he had are denied to too many of today’s Londoners and he’s determined to do something about that.

We need a Mayor with a purpose. Sadiq Khan can be that Mayor, which is why he has our support.

Yours sincerely

Sheila Boswell (PPC Putney)

Emily Brothers (PPC Sutton and Cheam)

Andrew Judge (PPC Wimbledon)

Uma Kumaran (PPC Harrow East)

Bilal Mahmood (PPC Chingford and Woodford Green) 

Will Martindale (PPC Battersea)

Amy Trevethan (PPC Chipping Barnet)