Susan Hall mocked after claiming Sadiq Khan has been “catastrophic for London”

Susan Hall has been ridiculed on social media after claiming London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been “catastrophic” for the capital, prompting a wave of responses pointing to his repeated election victories and record in office.

The Conservative politician who was defeated by Khan in the 2024 London mayoral election, was responding to a post on X by Khan, who described Brexit as “catastrophic” and argued it was “time to rejoin the EU”.

Hall hit back: “No, no. You, Sadiq Khan, have been catastrophic for London.”

But her attempt to turn the criticism back on the mayor quickly prompted a barrage of replies, with many questioning how a politician supposedly so disastrous for London could have won the mayoralty three times.

“If Khan is so bad for London, why does he keep getting voted back in?” one user asked.

Another wrote: “So catastrophic he was voted in three times and beat you. God knows what would happen if you became mayor!”

Others pointed to Hall’s own electoral performance. One respondent told her to “give it up,” noting that she had finished fifth in the 2024 mayoral election, while Khan secured another term.

“London is an amazing city and better than ever. I write as a Londoner born and bred. Sadiq Khan has been a very positive force for the capital,” another user commented.

Others accused Hall of sour grapes, with one writing: “Many Londoners would disagree with you, which is why he has been re-elected. You are just sour because you couldn’t beat him.”

Another response turned attention to the Conservatives’ record in government, saying: “There’s no words to describe how bad the Tories were in Government for 14 long years!”

While no mayor’s record is beyond criticism, Hall’s sweeping dismissal overlooks a range of policies introduced or expanded under Khan’s leadership.

On housing, his administration has championed affordable homebuilding and supported increased council house construction, while also backing stronger protections for renters and action against rogue landlords.

His mayoralty has introduced universal free school meals for primary school pupils in state schools across London and invested in youth services, including youth clubs, mentoring and violence-prevention initiatives.

Khan has also made clean air a central part of his agenda. The expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has helped reduce harmful roadside air pollution, while his administration has supported greener transport, including the transition towards zero-emission buses and the expansion of cycling infrastructure.

Transport policies have included the introduction of the Hopper fare, allowing passengers to make unlimited bus and tram journeys within an hour for a single fare, alongside periods of frozen Transport for London fares.

Londoners have repeatedly delivered their verdict at the ballot box. Dismissing their mayor as a disaster without substantiating the claim is political point-scoring, not a convincing argument.