London elects first Muslim mayor Sadiq Khan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Sadiq Khan has been elected the new Mayor of London - boosting Labour after it slumped in Scotland's elections, BBC News reports.

Khan is the city's first Muslim mayor, after beating Tory Zac Goldsmith by 1, 310,143 votes to 994,614.

Khan's victory ends eight years of Conservative control of City Hall. The former Labour MP and minister, 45, becomes London's third mayor after Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson.

In his victory speech, Khan referred to his humble origins on a council estate and said he had never imagined that "someone like me could be elected as mayor of London," promising to be a mayor "for all Londoners."

He said the campaign had not been without controversy, but added: "I am so proud that London has today chosen hope over fear."

He added that the "politics of fear is not welcome in our city," BBC says.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn led congratulations on Twitter using the hashtag YesWeKhan and telling the new mayor: "Can't wait to work with you to create a London that is fair for all."