The Global Story
The Global Story
A tale of two cities: London’s lesson for New York’s first Muslim mayor
Up next
6 November 2025
27 minutes
Available for over a year
Even before Zohran Mamdani was elected as New York’s first Muslim mayor, his critics frequently cited London as a sort of cautionary tale, suggesting that New York under Mamdani could go “the way of London.” That’s because London already has a liberal, Muslim mayor - Sadiq Khan. But is that where the similarities end?
We talk to Tim Donovan, a former BBC reporter who covered London politics for decades. And we ask Mr Khan himself what it’s like to be a local politician with an international profile - especially when your most persistent critic, is a tenacious man called Donald Trump?
Producers: Xandra Ellin, Valerio Esposito and Cat Farnsworth
Mix: Travis Evans
Senior news editor: China Collins
Image: New York City mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, waves to his supporters after winning the 2025 New York City Mayoral race. Jeenah Moon / Reuters
