London Mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a progressive voters warning to Labour’s leadership. He urged the party to rethink its strategy after a damaging by-election defeat.
Labour finished third in the Gorton and Denton contest last week. The result shocked party members because Labour had held the seat for nearly a century. Consequently, Khan described the outcome as “a terrible result” with no room for excuses.
Khan criticised Prime Minister Keir Starmer for calling the Green Party “extreme.” He argued that such language risks alienating liberal supporters. Moreover, he warned that trying to compete with Reform on the political right feels inauthentic.
According to Khan, Labour cannot afford to take progressive voters for granted. He said the party must reflect deeply on its direction. Furthermore, he insisted that the national leadership needs to rethink its overall approach.
Khan stressed that most voters considering the Greens are not extremists. Therefore, branding them as such could push more people away. He explained that authenticity matters more than ever in modern politics.
In addition, Khan highlighted his own record on controversial issues. He has publicly criticised Donald Trump over racism and sexism. He has also supported closer ties with the European Union. Meanwhile, he has spoken out about the killing of Palestinians.
Khan argued that silence on major issues undermines Labour’s identity. He said shifting rightward to counter Reform betrays the party’s values. Instead, he urged Labour to address voters’ concerns without exploiting fear.
However, Khan acknowledged Starmer’s achievements in government. He praised efforts on free breakfast clubs and strengthening workers’ rights. At the same time, he made clear he was not calling for the prime minister to resign.
Nevertheless, he warned that positive policies risk being overshadowed. He pointed to controversies surrounding Gaza, Brexit, and migration. As a result, he suggested that political positioning has distracted from substantive progress.
Ultimately, Khan’s progressive voters warning reflects growing tension within Labour. While he supports the party’s leadership, he wants a clearer commitment to its core values. As debate continues, Labour faces pressure to reconnect with its traditional base before future elections.
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