Sadiq Khan sparks fury after website claims white family 'doesn't reflect real London'
An image of Sadiq Khan
PA
Sadiq Khan has distanced himself an “inappropriate” statement on the Mayor of London’s website claimed a photograph of a white family “doesn’t reflect real London”.
The image in the Greater London Authority’s official branding guide sparked fury over the weekend, with the Mayor's office accused of dividing Londoners.
The document included various pictures of what should and should not be used while marketing both Khan’s activities and work conducted by City Hall.
An image showing a white family holding hands along the banks of the Thames near the London eye was found to have fallen short of representing residents across the capital.
An image showing a white family holding hands along the banks of the Thames near the London eye was found to have fallen short of representing residents across the capital
City Hall
A caption accompanying the image read: “Doesn’t represent real Londoners.”
However, a photo of Khan surrounded by an ethnically diverse group of volunteers was deemed acceptable.
A separate piece of guidance suggested Khan should be “shown interacting in real and relatable environments”, The Mail on Sunday revealed.
It singled out a second photograph of a team meeting in an office that “[looked] staged and set up”.
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A photo of Khan surrounded by an ethnically diverse group of volunteers was deemed acceptable
City Hall
Leading Conservatives criticised Khan and City Hall over the guidance.
South Thanet MP Craig Mackinlay told The Telegraph: “I think it is indicative of the divisive nature of Sadiq and Labour’s view on party politics these days.”
Deputy Tory chairman Lee Anderson said on Twitter: “Do your job i.e reduce crime, build some house[s] and stop robbing folk.”
Susan Hall, the Conservative mayoral candidate for 2024, added: “All Londoners are real Londoners.
Sadiq KhanPA“We should be celebrating London’s diversity but sadly the Mayor is more interested in dividing people. He should apologise.”
Despite releasing the controversial photographs, the branding guide also claimed: “A City For All Londoners [and a promise to appeal to] ‘everyone no matter, their age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, disability or family make up.”
A spokesman for the Mayor of London said: “The photo caption was added by a staff member in error, and doesn’t reflect the view of the Mayor of the Greater London Authority.
“The document has now been taken off the GLA website and is being reviewed to ensure the language and guidance is appropriate.”
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