As Sadiq Khan gears up for the 2024 Mayoral Election, his recent announcement that London has surpassed its affordable housing targets deserves to be celebrated not just as good policy, but also smart politics. At a national level both Labour and the Conservatives have been sparring this week over their housing policy credentials. 2024 will very much be an election fought on housing with the issue being item high on the priorities of voters, particularly younger voters and the quickly growing millennial bloc. Whilst the continued cost of living crisis, and spiralling house prices mean an ever-broader number of families are struggling with their day to day costs. Building, and building big is a very sensible course of action.
Indeed, although Khan’s commitment to housing development puts him in a favourable position in the race for Mayor, he must be prepared to face contenders who share a similar vision. The Tory frontrunner, Samuel Kasumu, has already embraced the “Build Build Build” mantra, signalling a shared understanding of the importance of housing development – even if he has soured his YIMBY credentials somewhat by campaigning for Theresa Villiers.
Khan’s achievements are certainly to be commended, by prioritising affordable housing, not only has the mayor overseen an increase in overall builds, with some 190,000 new builds being completed since 2016. He has also nearly doubled the number of affordable housing planning permissions (when compared to the final year of his predecessor), as well as delivered the highest number of council homes since the 1970s. This, at a time when the Conservative Party cannot decide whether it’s either YIMBY or NIMBY, is a good record to have. However, the journey is far from over, and Khan must build upon these successes to maintain his momentum in the upcoming election.
London’s housing crisis continues to be a pressing issue that cannot be ignored. With skyrocketing rents, the affordability of homes in the city is under threat leading to young mostly left leaning voters moving out of London to the home counties. Whilst this is good news for the Surrey Labour Party, it poses a problem for Khan’s chances of re-election. The Westminster Labour Party has already taken broad strides in this area, pledging to “back the builders not the blockers” by bringing back housing targets, opening up space on the green belt and reforms to the planning system. Labour has also announced a “renters charter” including the removal of section 21s and a legally binding Decent Homes Standards.
Khan must recognise that voters – particularly his youthful base – are looking for a candidate who not only addresses the immediate housing needs but also demonstrates a long-term vision to tackle the crisis. By acknowledging the gravity of the situation and proposing comprehensive plans for increased housing development, Khan can position himself as the leader Londoners can trust to find sustainable solutions.
Building more homes in London will undoubtedly face challenges, including the opposition from NIMBY groups from other parties and Labour itself. Yet Khan must ignore the siren cries of the ladder-pulling generation of homeowners denying their children the same opportunity, while emphasising the urgent need for additional housing to London’s fastly growing renting class. By engaging with communities, addressing their fears, and demonstrating the benefits of increased housing supply, Khan can build broad support and counter the NIMBY narrative. This approach will not only bolster his chances of winning the election but also foster a more inclusive and equitable London.
As Sadiq Khan embarks on his campaign for the 2024 Mayoral Election, building more homes must remain at the forefront of his agenda. His accomplishments in affordable housing have set a strong foundation, but to secure victory, Khan must continue to prioritise housing development. If you build it they will come. And if you don’t, someone else will.
Pablo John is a Labour Party activist in Streatham CLP and works in renewable energy policy. Neil Goodrich is a Corporate Performance and Planning Manager at Orbit Group
