Sadiq Khan’s acceptance speech in full
'I am deeply humbled by the hope and trust you have placed in me today...'
Here is Sadiq’s Khan’s speech at City Hall after his election as London mayor was confirmed.
“Thank you London.
“London is the greatest city in the world. I am so proud of our city. I am deeply humbled by the hope and trust you have placed in me today.
“I grew up on a council estate only a few miles away from here. Back then I would never have thought that someone like me could be elected as Mayor of London.
“And I want to say ‘thank you’ to every single Londoner for making the impossible possible today.
“I have a burning ambition for London. And ambition that will guide me every day as Mayor of our great city.
“I want every single Londoner to get the opportunities that our city gave to me and my family. The opportunities not just to survive but to thrive. The opportunities to build a better future for you and your family, with a decent and affordable home and a comfortable commute you can afford.
“More jobs with better pay. Not just being safe, but feeling safe. Cleaner air and a healthier city. And the opportunities for all Londoners to fulfil their potential.
“You know, I have been thinking a lot about my late dad. He was a wonderful man and a great dad. He would have been so proud today. Proud that the city he chose to call his home has now chosen one of his children to be the Mayor.
“I want to say ‘thank you’ to my amazing mum – she really is. And to my wonderful wife, my daughters and my family. Without you I wouldn’t be here today.
“And I want to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who worked so hard on this election. To my campaign team – we have run a positive campaign and we have worked our socks off.
“I want to thank all the other campaign teams, to every assembly candidate from every party, to the police, the returning officer and all the staff who have made the election happen. And of course, all the other Mayoral candidates.
“This election was not without controversy and I am so proud that London has today chosen hope over fear and unity over division.
“I hope that we will never be offered such a stark choice again. Fear does not make us safer, it only makes us weaker and the politics of fear is simply not welcome in our city.
“I want to end by making a promise to London, a promise I first made during the campaign that I promise I will keep here at City Hall.
“I promise to always be a Mayor for all Londoners, to work hard to make life better for every Londoner regardless of your background and to do everything in my power to make sure you get the opportunities that our incredible city gave to me.
“Thank you very much.”
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