Sadiq Khan: 5 Things About London’s First Muslim Mayor
Sadiq Khan made history by becoming London’s first Muslim mayor on May 5. The popular politician’s already taking shot at Donald Trump’s anti-Muslim views, so here are 5 things to know about London’s brand new mayor.
He was elected as London’s new mayor on a huge surge of popularity, but Sadiq Khan, 45, is probably Donald Trump’s, 69, least favorite politician. As the city’s first Muslim mayor, Sadiq has plenty to say about Donald’s proposed Muslim ban, so get to know more about the U.K.’s big political star.
1. He’s a British-born Muslim, whose parents are Pakistani immigrants.
Sadiq’s parents migrated to England from Pakistan shortly before he was born in 1970, according to the New Statesman. His father worked a bus driver for 25 years while his mother toiled away as a seamstress. Being the son of Muslim immigrants, Sadiq knows that if Donald wins the 2016 Presidential election, it will harm London’s political connection to America.
“If Donald Trump becomes the president,” Sadiq told Time magazine, “I’ll be stopped from going there by virtue of my faith, which means I can’t engage with American mayors and swap ideas.” Sadiq has a point!
2. Sadiq almost ended up in the dentist’s office!
Sadiq was elected as London’s new mayor on May 5, per the Independent. He received 57% of the vote and more votes than any previous London mayor. But this history-making moment almost didn’t happen! Sadiq initially studied biology and chemistry to become a dentist, until a teacher asked him, “You’re always arguing. Why don’t you be a lawyer [instead]?” He would get his degree from the College of Law In Guildford and then work on legal cases dealing with human rights.
3. He can defend himself in an argument — and in the ring.
Sadiq and his family constantly encountered racism while growing up in England. In order to protect themselves, he and his brothers took up boxing at the Earlsfield Amateur Boxing Club, according to Metro. Thankfully, he and conservative political rival, Zac Goldsmith, 41, didn’t have to throw down during the London mayoral election.
4. He’s faced opposition from his own religious community!
Sadiq, as a member of the Labour Party, was elected to the House of Commons to represent the district of Tooting in 2005. He was reelected for three terms until May 2015, per Politics.co.uk. During his time in office, he received death threats from for voting in favor of gay marriage, per the Daily Mail. Conservative Muslim clerics even denounced his support of LGBQT rights as “selling out” his religion!
5. He’s also a loving father and a devoted husband.
Sadiq has been married to Saadiya Ahmed, a fellow lawyer, for 22 years. They have two daughters together — Anisah and Ammarah. Now, this beautiful British family will move into the mayor’s Mansion House in London! Congrats, Sadiq!
What do you think about the new mayor of London, HollywoodLifers?
