Sadiq Khan backs Keir Starmer to be Labour leader and says party must 'compromise with electorate'
2 min read
Sadiq Khan has announced that he is backing Keir Starmer to be the next leader of the Labour Party.
The Mayor of London said the Shadow Brexit Secretary is the candidate most likely to "put Labour in government" as he called on the party to learn the lessons of its devastating election defeat.
The powerful endorsement from the party’s most senior directly-elected politician will help cement Sir Keir’s status as the frontrunner in the contest.
He is odds-on favourite with bookmakers to be named as Jeremy Corbyn’s successor when the announcement is made on 4 April.
Mr Khan tweeted: “I've known Keir for decades. He's the best person to unite our party, take the fight to the Tories and put Labour in government.”
He went further on LBC, insisting that "one more heave" on a similar policy platform as last December will not be enough to deliver victory at the next election.
"I want Labour to return to power as soon as possible. I think Keir is best placed to do that," said Mr Khan, who also revealed that he will give Lisa Nandy his second preference vote.
"We as a party have got to accept that we lost badly on 12 December 12, the worst result since 1935.
"Most members have [accepted that] but some members think ‘one more heave’ and we could persuade the electorate to change their minds."
He added: "You have to compromise with the electorate. As someone who believes in democracy and winning elections, the electorate is always right."
Sir Keir said he was “honoured” to receive the endorsement, adding: “Sadiq is demonstrating that Labour in power can change lives.
“I look forward to campaigning alongside him to keep London Labour.”
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