'Between Hope & Fear': London Mayor Throws Shade At Trump While Congratulating Mamdani

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 19:49 IST

Trump has frequently criticised London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him the “worst” mayor in the world

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and US President Donald Trump. (AFP photos)

London Mayor Sadiq Khan was among the first British politicians on Wednesday to congratulate New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, calling his historic victory a triumph of “hope over fear."

Taking to social media, Khan drew parallels between the choice faced by New Yorkers and his own leadership in London, where he has championed diversity and inclusion.

“New Yorkers faced a clear choice – between hope and fear – and just like we’ve seen in London – hope won," Khan wrote, adding, “Huge congratulations to Zohran Mamdani on his historic campaign."

The Labour politician, of Pakistani heritage, himself made history last year when he became the first London Mayor elected to a third term.

Dig At Trump

Khan’s remarks also carried a subtle dig at US President Donald Trump, with whom he has long clashed. Trump has frequently criticised Khan, calling him the “worst" mayor in the world, while Khan has labelled Trump “racist, sexist, misogynistic and Islamophobic."

In his victory speech, Mamdani echoed a similar message, declaring New York “a city of immigrants, built by immigrants, powered by immigrants and, as of tonight, led by an immigrant."

Born in Kampala, Uganda, and naturalised as a US citizen in 2018, the 34-year-old son of Indian filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani becomes New York’s first mayor of Indian heritage.

British left-wing politicians were also quick to celebrate Mamdani’s victory. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn helped canvass support by hosting a phone bank in London, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski drew comparisons with Mamdani for his left-leaning policies and effective use of social media.

The UK media framed the election as “Trump’s worst nightmare," while noting the challenges ahead for Mamdani, including navigating relationships with New York’s corporate elite.

“He campaigned as a sharp critic of the corporate and business elite that call New York City their home, and have made Manhattan the financial capital of the world. To effectively govern, he will probably have to make some form of peace with those interests, however – a process he has already begun in recent weeks," the BBC noted.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d...

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News world 'Between Hope & Fear': London Mayor Throws Shade At Trump While Congratulating Mamdani

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