The Labour incumbent triumphed over Tory candidate Susan Hall, despite false claims from ‘excited Tories’ that she would give him a close race. Sadiq Khan secured a historic third term as mayor of London following a fierce competition. Khan emerged victorious with 43.8% of the vote, overshadowing his Conservative opponent, Susan Hall. Despite being booed during his victory speech, Khan thanked Londoners and addressed the negativity surrounding his campaign with a message of hope and unity. Hall, his rival, appeared unimpressed during Khan’s speech, showing disapproval as he promised to be a mayor for all Londoners. Khan described the election as a close battle, although polls indicated a significant lead for him. Voter turnout was at 40.5%, slightly lower than in 2021, with Bexley and Bromley having the highest turnout at 48%. Khan’s team grew confident after securing key constituencies from the Conservatives. Labour leader Keir Starmer expressed confidence in Khan’s victory and called the mayoral race a crucial step towards the general election. The victory in London followed an intense Friday night, with a pause in counting leading to speculation about the results. The mayoral election was the first under new voting rules introduced by the Conservatives. Turnout was crucial for a Labour victory, with aides emphasizing its importance. Labour faced challenges due to its stance on Gaza in local elections, affecting support in various areas. London voters were seen as potentially sending a message to the party despite Khan’s efforts to address concerns. A Conservative MP criticized Hall’s campaign for lacking a clear vision and being focused on anti-Khan sentiment. The results came after more Labour victories in mayoral elections in the north of England on Saturday. Steve Rotheram, Andy Burnham, and Tracy Brabin secured wins in their respective regions.