Sadiq Khan has been accused of promoting "anti-British propaganda" after a multicultural shortlist of sculptures was selected to fill the empty fourth plinth at Trafalgar Square.
He was criticised for supposedly blocking a statue of the late Queen in favour of a competition that will be decided by a public vote.
The shortlist, selected by the independent Fourth Plinth Commissioning Group, includes a rocket ship ice cream van, a black cat and a sweet potato. Last month the Labour Mayor approved £1million of taxpayers' money to fund the installations in 2026 and 2028.
The empty pedestal will host the face casts of 850 transgender people from London from September.
The empty pedestal will host the face casts of 850 transgender people from London from September
PA
Artist Veronica Ryan wants to display "Sweet Potatoes And Yams Are Not The Same" at the plinth, a tribute to global conversations that take place in Trafalgar Square.
While Chila Kumari Singh Burman has put forward a piece of art called, "In The Smile You Send Returns To You", which features her father's ice cream van to depict his journey from India to the UK.
But hitting out at the decision, Howard Cox, Reform UK’s candidate in the upcoming mayoral elections, said: "The fourth plinth should be a celebration of London’s history, illustrious Londoners, and genuinely creative metaphors about our capital city. It should not be a political platform to convey subliminal anti-British propaganda.
“Let’s be proud of London and steer clear of virtue signalling endorsements of other nations’ continued disdain for British history and culture.”
Earlier this week, the Mayor said he is "proud to support the fourth plinth art exhibition in Trafalgar Square”.
He said: "Since 1998, this initiative has showcased world-class artwork, adding to London’s dynamic cultural scene. Excited to see what new exhibits will be next to grace this iconic space."
The two winning entries will be displayed on the fourth plinth for two years each, the first from 2026 and the second from 2028.
Artist Veronica Ryan wants to display "Sweet Potatoes And Yams Are Not The Same" at the plinth, a tribute to global conversations that take place in Trafalgar Square
PA
Earlier this week, the Mayor said he is "proud to support the fourth plinth art exhibition in Trafalgar Square”
PA
Tory mayoral candidate for London Susan Hall has promised to dedicate the fourth plinth to housing a statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II if she is elected.
A Tory source said: "Susan Hall has committed to working with the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee and the Royal Family to offer a permanent memorial to the late Queen on Fourth Plinth.
"The Improntas sculpture and any future commissions would have to be moved to accommodate that."
In March last year, the London Assembly agreed unanimously that a statue of the former monarch should be placed in central London. But Trafalgar Square is unlikely to be its chosen location.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: "The Mayor wants to ensure we have a fitting memorial to our longest-serving monarch.
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"He supports the creation of the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee, which is being supported by the Royal Household and chaired by the former Private Secretary to Queen Elizabeth II.
"The Mayor stands ready to support the recommendations of the committee, whatever they are.”
