Mr Sadiq Khan, who has pledged a number of co-operative proposals for London, has been elected mayor of the capital. In the lead up to the election, he unveiled a manifesto “for all Londoners”, which included proposals for co-operative, mutual and not-for-profit organisations.
“I’m deeply humbled by the hope and trust you’ve put in me today,” Mr Khan said in his victory speech. “I have a burning ambition for London, an ambition that will guide me every day as mayor of London.” This ambition includes giving Londoners “a decent and affordable home and a comfortable commute you can afford” as well as “more jobs with better pay”.
Mr Khan said this ambition drew inspiration from the co-operative sector, “which in London contains hundreds of thousands of member-owners and hundreds of small- and medium sized community-led enterprises.”
One of his own first experiences in the workplace was in the employee-owned John Lewis Partnership.
“The wider co-operative movement in London has always been at the forefront of inclusive and shared business practices, which can play a key role in the capital’s future success,” said Mr Khan, adding that co-operative housing, community energy and a not-for-profit mutual bus sector would be priorities. “Community-led mutual bus services are delivering services in the capital already, but I want to see more,” he said.
“Through these proposals and many others, we can make a real difference and demonstrate how co-operative values and principles can play an active and positive role in the future of London and all Londoners.”
