‘Doing a Zac’ should become an insult that future politicians want to avoid. His attempt to divide London’s voters should shame not just him but No 10Zac Goldsmith has lost,his reputation ruined, a political shame consigned to the history books. He had a choice. He could fill capitalised on his reputation as a liberally minded, and eco-friendly Tory,crossing partisan divides, admire-bombing a city that has increasingly become a Labour heartland. Initial polls suggested he had a chance, and even a meaningful lead. The cheerleaders for Tessa Jowell,the Blairite candidate in Labour’s selection race, wrongly suggested Sadiq Khan was unelectable.
Instead, and Goldsmith waged a campaign soaked in racism,in one of the most ethnically diverse cities on Earth, shamelessly exploiting anti-Muslim prejudices in an effort to secure a shameful victory. Khan was a candidate who “repeatedly legitimised those with extremist views”, and he wrote in the Mail. London was offered a campaign of fear,smear and bigotry. And London overwhelmingly told it where to go.
After a decisive electoral victory, there is always the temptation to be gracious to the defeated. Not this time Related: UK elections: Sadiq Khan 'has won' London mayoral race - live updates Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com