I am absolutely delighted that Sadiq Khan has been elected Mayor of London.
A UNISON member, Sadiq has always been a friend to me and to our union. He has fought a smart, passionate and thoughtful campaign for Mayor, focussed on issues that matter to UNISON members and all Londoners – housing, transport costs and the air that we all breathe.
By any standard and in any situation his achievement is significant.
Yet it’s even more so when you consider the climate in which this race was fought. Zac Goldsmith’s campaign was utterly shameful, based around smear and innuendo and a disgrace to the city I call home.
Sadiq saw off those attacks with dignity, grace and determination. If the Conservative Party believe that racism and fear mongering is the way to win in London, then they simply don’t understand London.
I’m really looking forward to working with Sadiq in the years ahead. Now the glamour (if that’s the right word) of the campaign is over, the hard work of governing will begin – and in UNISON, Sadiq Khan will always find a constructive partner for changing London for the better.