Sadiq Khan has come under criticism after last night's fireworks display (Image: GETTY/BBC)
Sadiq Khan has triggered a furious backlash on social media after last night’s spectacular fireworks display in London, with one critic branding him a “narcissist”, and another accusing him of relentless political messaging.
The London Mayor ushered in 2024 with what was billed by the Greater London Authority as the biggest-ever display, watched by 100,000 ticket holders and millions more on television.
Mr Khan himself was active on social media last night, sharing a series of photographs from the event.
Themes included climate change, the 75th anniversary of the arrival of the Empire Windrush and the tenth anniversary of the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
However, many were unimpressed by a prominent sign proclaiming The Mayor of London presents…, suggesting Mr Khan was attempting to claim the credit.
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New Year celebrated by London with stunning fireworks
Ben Habib, deputy leader of Reform UK, told Express.co.uk: “I had mistakenly always thought the London fireworks to be ours; a celebration of London and the United Kingdom in the year just past.
“I now know we only have them courtesy of Sadiq Khan.
“Neither are they about us but about the relentless promotion of multi-culturalism, critical race theory and LGBTQ rights.
“Even the fleeting mention of the coronation in HIS display was couched in his rotten ideology.”
Mr Khan sought to “mask his failure as mayor in a false cloak of moral correctitude”, Mr Habib claimed.
However, he added: “We see through you Khan. You are narcissistic. You hold the United Kingdom, its people, culture, history and values in contempt.
Sadiq Khan was also accused of narcissism (Image: Getty)
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“You are a force for division. I have a few wishes for 2024. Top of the list: please God remove Khan from office.”
Reform UK's London Mayoral candidate Howard Cox added: "New Year Celebrations, should be exactly that, a celebration of new opportunities and optimism entering 2024. It should not be a platform for a political agenda from a such a despised Mayor that has an ego the size of his massive deficit.
"And this personal promotional extravaganza using tons of fireworks could have been done by multimedia, lasers and orchestrated light emitting drones. Hypocrite Khan spent millions on polluting london and promoting his personal political agenda. And people were suckered into paying for it. He believes he is untouchable. And Keir Starmer turns a blind eye. It’s sick!’
Posting on X, formerly Twitter, Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, a councillor in the London Borough of Harrow, agreed, sharing a picture of the illuminated sign.
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Former Brexit Party MEP and Reform UK deputy leader Ben Habib (Image: PA)
He commented: “They're OUR fireworks Mr Mayor, not yours. Talk about an ego trip!”
Paul Embery, a former Fire Brigades Union (FBU) rep and a prominent Brexiteer who has appeared regularly on GB News, was concerned by what he saw as overt political messaging.
As posting on X, he said: “London New Year’s Eve fireworks: voiceover of the King preaching about ‘diversity’, a homage to the NHS, an advert for same-sex marriage, then a Windrush tribute.
“All literally within two minutes of the clock striking midnight. This stuff is like a nervous tic. It’s relentless.”
New Year celebrations in London (Image: Getty)
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Prior to the start of the display, Mr Khan posted: “As the sun sets on 2023, I am humbled by the things we’ve achieved together.
"It’s my privilege to be Mayor of this incredible city.”
He followed that up with another in which he said: “As this year draws to a close, there’s no better time to reflect on some of the things we have achieved together for our great city, and for generations of Londoners to come.”
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A spokeswoman for the Mayor of London said: “The Mayor was delighted that Londoners and visitors to the capital joined together on the banks of the River Thames to welcome in the new year with our best ever celebration.
“Tens of millions from around the world also watched our unique show, which brought together fireworks, drones, lighting and music to celebrate the New Year and remember key moments in 2023.
“The Mayor is proud to have sent a message of unity - showing why London is the greatest city in the world.”
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