The question of whether Sadiq Khan’s re-election as London mayor next year matters may not seem important to some cities like Newcastle or Manchester who have their own political dramas to focus on. However, the truth is that it does matter. We are already one week into the implementation of the expanded ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) in London and life goes on. Despite some hardships faced by those who are struggling to adapt, the switch has been made and now we wait to see the results.
There have been protests, both genuine and malicious, against Ulez. There has been a campaign calling it a “bogus war on the motorist,” which Khan debunked in an article. There have even been shameful acts of vandalism against Ulez equipment. But regardless of the protests, one of two outcomes will occur. Either Ulez will prove to be beneficial, in which case Khan will likely be re-elected, or the benefits will be marginal and Khan will lose the election to a weak Tory rival, Susan Hall.
This is how democracy works. Leaders take a position, present their arguments with reasons, facts, and statistics, and hope to convince enough people to support their policies. They hope their policies work for the greater good of society. And if they don’t, the voters hold them accountable in elections. This is leadership.
It is essential for our system that leaders make decisions based on their judgment and not just popular opinion. Tony Blair, for example, ignored the millions who protested against British participation in the Iraq War, and he ultimately lost his reputation. Blind arrogance and stubbornness are not leadership qualities.
Khan deserves re-election because he has shown leadership by pushing ahead with Ulez despite opposition from Tories, including the prime minister, and even his own party. He has made a fact-based, rational decision, not a crowd-pleasing whim. This is in stark contrast to other politicians who pander to the public’s basest instincts and lack sound judgment.
Unfortunately, followship exists across party lines. Many politicians, including Labour officials during the Brexit debate, choose to follow public opinion instead of making a case for what they believe is right. Khan, on the other hand, has found his mission in tackling pollution and has shown leadership in doing so.
While there has been criticism and even U-turns on some aspects of the Ulez expansion, we have come this far and it is crucial that the gamble pays off. Lives can be saved in London and other polluted cities if successful. This is why the outcome of Khan’s re-election matters.
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