Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has launched an historic third mayoral bid and pledges to build 40,000 council homes for Londoners before 2030.

Appearing alongside Labour leader Keir Starmer and Dr Rupa Huq at an event in London today (18 March), Mayor Khan pledged to deliver 40,000 new homes by 2030, despite recent clashes in public policy with Starmer.

This ambitious target represents a doubling of Khan's previous goal set between 2018 and 2024, which was successfully achieved last year, with 23,000 homes under construction.

The mayor of London also defended his controversial ultra-low emission zone for London, where motorists are required to pay £12.50 per day to drive non-compliant vehicles.

He highlighted that despite initial resistance, the expansion of the zone has led to 19 out of 20 cars being compliant, without any catastrophic impacts as feared by critics.

Via X Sadiq Khan said: "I grew up on a council estate. I know firsthand how the security of a council home transforms families' lives.

"London is delivering the highest number of council homes since the 1970s. If I'm re-elected, we'll deliver 40,000 more by the end of the decade."

If re-elected as London mayor, Sadiq Khan promises to build 40,000 new council homes in London before the end of the decade (credit: Sadiq Khan/X).

The emphasis on housing in Khan's campaign reflects the magnitude of the housing crisis in the capital, with over 300,000 households waiting for social housing and a 50% increase in rough sleeping over the last decade.

If re-elected on 2 May, Khan would become the first person to serve three terms as mayor since the position was established through direct election in 2000.

Ealing Council Leader, Cllr Peter Mason said: "We're delivering one of London's largest programmes of council home buildings in Ealing.

"That's all delivered with Sadiq Khan's backing. 4,000 genuinely affordable homes already in progress thanks to his support. With him re-elected, even more."

Expressing concern for the rise of homelessness in the capital, Cllr Dr Aysha Raza said: "Councils are desperate to house increasing number of families made homeless, unable to cope with the consequences of the Tory cost of living crisis & recession, Sadiq Khan building new London homes will house a generation, giving families a better chance of a stable future."

Similarly, Cllr Bassam Mahfouz said: "A safe & genuinely affordable place to call home is a dream for so many facing the Tory caused housing crisis.

"But Sadiq Khan has overseen more council & social homes being built than any Mayor before him. This pledge will turn the dreams of 40,000 families into a reality!"

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