London’s New Year fireworks have been labelled as an “ego trip” for Mayor Sadiq Khan, with the timing and content of the display – featuring messages on diversity and inclusivity – seen as a political platform ahead of Mr. Khan’s re-election bid in May. The Mailhas more.
Just before the bongs of Big Ben sounded midnight, a message saying “The Mayor of London presents…” was written high in the sky before a unity-themed display welcomed the new year with the messaging: “London – A Place for Everyone.”
The celebration, that lasted almost 15 minutes, referenced the King’s Coronation and also used Charles’s quote to mark the 75th anniversary of the Windrush crossing, in which he said the new arrivals “collectively enrich the fabric of our national life”.
There were repeated references to London’s diversity and inclusivity, with Mr. Khan telling the world everyone is welcome in a city where people can be themselves.
But many critics took to social media to complain that the display was packed with political messaging ahead of Mr. Khan’s bid for re-election as Mayor this May.
Among them was author Paul Embery who tweeted:
Another viewer commenting on social media took issue with the ‘Place for Everyone’ title of the display:
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