New polling data suggests a majority of Londoners do not want Sadiq Khan to stand for re-election as Mayor of London in 2028, casting doubt on his political future.
Voters Signal Desire for Change
A survey conducted by Freshwater Strategy for City AM between 28 and 30 November 2025 found that three in five residents in the capital believe the Labour Mayor should not run again. The poll of 500 eligible London voters revealed that 56 per cent feel London is heading in the wrong direction.
Notably, nearly a third (30 per cent) of those who voted for Khan in the 2024 mayoral election said it was time to give someone else a chance. If he chose to step aside, it would conclude a 12-year tenure overseeing major portfolios including Transport for London (TfL), housing policy, and the Metropolitan Police.
Khan's Record and Potential Challengers
During his three terms, Khan's record has been mixed. He has overseen a fall in air pollution through policies like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), but also missed housebuilding targets and faced criticism over crime. Recent years have seen him push for the pedestrianisation of Oxford Street and broker a pay deal to avert Tube strikes.
The polling indicates potential challengers are waiting in the wings. Zack Polanski, the Green Party leader and London Assembly member, emerges as a significant figure. The data shows a majority of those who voted for Khan over a year ago would consider backing Polanski if he ran. Overall, two-fifths of Londoners would consider voting for him.
Polanski told City AM his immediate focus is converting the "Green surge" into council seats in next year's local elections, stating: "When I became leader, I said we were here to replace Labour – we’re well on our way to achieving that."
Meanwhile, Labour MP Dawn Butler has publicly stated her intention to stand as the party's candidate should Khan decide not to run.
Approval Ratings in Context
Despite the apparent discontent, Khan's personal approval rating among Londoners remains higher than that of his party and several senior Westminster figures. He is nine points higher than Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has a net approval of -20 in the capital.
However, he trails behind figures like Polanski, Zarah Sultana, Jeremy Corbyn, and Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham in favourability. Popular policies from his administration include:
- The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
- Expansion of cycle lanes
- 20-mile-per-hour zones
- Low Traffic Neighbourhoods
These all attract a net positive rating from polled Londoners.
When asked specifically about his performance, 39 per cent of voters said they were dissatisfied, compared to 32 per cent who were satisfied. Among the dissatisfied group, the vast majority described themselves as "very dissatisfied".
A source close to the Mayor defended his record, saying Khan was "getting on with the job of delivering a fairer, safer, greener city for every Londoner". They cited achievements such as expanding free school meals for primary children, lowering the monthly homicide rate to a record low, and increasing cycling journeys.
The Mayor's office has not yet indicated his decision regarding the 2028 election, with an announcement not expected for some time. The poll has a margin of error of +/- 4.4 per cent.
