In the heated run-up to the London mayoral election on May 2, Conservative candidate Susan Hall has officially launched her campaign to challenge incumbent Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan. During her campaign kickoff in Uxbridge, Hall called on Londoners to “vote for change,” pledging to tackle pressing urban concerns such as crime, housing affordability, and the contentious expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez).

Hall criticized Khan for his eight-year tenure’s outcomes, emphasizing her commitment to revoking the Ulez expansion, rethinking Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, and addressing speed limits on certain roads. She accused Khan of neglecting Londoners’ needs, contributing to increased crime rates, and escalating rents. Central to Hall’s campaign promises are increasing police forces, facilitating the construction of affordable family homes, and scrapping the Ulez expansion from her first day in office.

In contrast, Khan has dismissed Hall as out of touch with London’s values and reiterated his commitment to freezing Transport for London fares and extending free school meal initiatives. He defended his record by refusing to extend the Ulez scheme further and has promised the construction of 40,000 new council homes by 2030 as a measure against homelessness.

The election confronts voters with starkly different visions for London’s future, reflecting a broader debate on urban policy and governance. As both candidates continue to outline their manifestos, the contest is shaping to be a closely observed battle between Hall’s “listening to Londoners” approach and Khan’s record of efforts towards a fairer, greener, and safer London.