What Will London Look Like Under New Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan?

The race for London Mayor has never been a harmonious one, and the 2016 campaign has been no exception. In fact, the battle between the Zac Goldsmith (Conservative) and Sadiq Khan (Labour) has arguably been one of the most acrimonious since the office was created in 2000.

Labour's candidate Sadiq Khan was elected as the new London Mayor, taking over from the Conservative Party's infamous incumbent Boris Johnson with 44 percent of the vote.

The new Mayor @SadiqKhan has a tough challenge ahead, he'll inherit serious problems left by @MayorofLondon #mayoralelections

— Mr Lee Jasper (@LeeJasper) May 6, 2016​

If Sadiq Khan doesn't drive a London Bus to his acceptance speech then a great opportunity will have been lost #LondonMayor2016

— Sarah Melv (@sarah_eyebrows) 6 May 2016​

As Labour's former Transport Minister, and one-time human rights lawyer, settles in for 5 years at city hall, you might be wondering just who Sadiq Khan is, and what are some of his key policies for London?

Congratulations @SadiqKhan on becoming the first muslim Mayor of London. A historical Day #LondonMayor2016

— Awais Satti (@awasssatti) May 6, 2016​

Thankfully, Sputnik is on hand to help — here are five things Sadiq Khan has said he wants to introduce as London Mayor:

"Hopper" tickets

The introduction of bus tickets which last an hour, so you'll no longer be penalized if your journey requires more than one bus. This is based on systems which are already up and running in some European cities.

Crowded bus stand in London

© Flickr / CGP Grey

Segregated Cycle routes

The new London Mayor wants to bring in better provisions for cyclists, with more dedicated cycle routes, similar to those found in Scandinavia and the Netherlands.

Pro-Business

Khan says he wants to be the "most pro-business mayor yet," a pledge which will likely sit at odds with the Labour leadership, who have argued that big business is not regulated enough in the UK.

Housing

The new Mayor of London says he wants to set an "ambitious" target of ensuring that 50% of new homes built in London are "genuinely affordable, as well as improving the situation for renters. The exact details of how these policies will be carried out remain somewhat ambiguous.

Oxford Street, London

© Flickr / Loïc Lagarde

Pedestrianize Oxford Street

As a part of his campaign to improve London's air quality, Khan wants to put more protections on the green belt, as well as pedestrianizing the city's iconic Oxford Street.