Sadiq Khan sworn in as Mayor of London to rapturous applause

Sebastian Mann7 May 2016

Sadiq Khan today began the job of Mayor of London to rapturous applause and an impromptu standing ovation at a multi-faith swearing in ceremony in south London.

Less than 12 hours after being officially confirmed as Boris Johnson’s successor, Mr Khan strolled into Southwark Cathedral to undertake his first ceremonial duties as the first Muslim leader of a major Western city.

He was greeted warmly by friends and supporters including actor Sir Ian McKellen at the signing-in ceremony on Saturday morning, which marked the end of the Conservatives' eight-year reign at City Hall.

'Mayor for all Londoners': Sadiq Khan in Southwark Cathedral on Saturday morning
PA

Large crowds applauded and rose to their feet as he entered the packed cathedral shortly after 11.30am.

Mr Khan then received a second sustained burst of applause and loud whooping when he introduced himself with: "My name is Sadiq Khan, I'm the mayor of London."

During an address lasting barely four minutes, the human rights lawyer-turned-politician brought laughter from the floor as, in a nod to a much-referenced and parodied theme of his election campaign, he said: "Some of you don't know, but I grew up on a council estate."

He repeated his vows to be a "mayor for all Londoners" during the short, multi-faith service.

He said: "I can't believe the last 24 hours. I want to start my mayoralty as I intend to go on. I want this to be the most transparent, honest and accessible administration London has ever seen."

Mr Khan said his "burning ambition" was for people all across the capital to have the same opportunities he enjoyed.

Sadiq Khan sworn in as Mayor of London

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Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn led congratulations on Twitter using the hashtag YesWeKhan, telling the new mayor: "Can't wait to work with you to create a London that is fair for all".

But he was conspicuously absent from the formal signing-in ceremony.

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband, a close ally of Mr Khan, Met Police commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe and campaigner Baroness Lawrence, mother of murdered black teenager Stephen, were all present as Dean of Southwark Andrew Nunn told the congregation Mr Khan's victory brought a "carnival atmosphere" to the sacred building.

Baroness Lawrence added: "This really is a glorious day.

"I never imagined in my lifetime I could have a mayor of London from an ethnic minority."

Mr Khan took 1,310,143 votes after second preferences were taken into account, beating Conservative Zac Goldsmith into second place on 994,614. His tally gave him the largest personal mandate of any politician in UK history.

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