Sadiq Khan took nine GLA staff with him – on the taxpayer’s dime – to Japan and Singapore in June to “court investment” from companies. Sources in City Hall say it is well known that Khan is extremely bored in his job, hence all the jollies…
The trip, much like Khan’s others, consisted of him turning up and declaring that London is ‘open for business.’ The GLA said in its justification for the trip:
“The mission was the first Mayoral visit to Singapore since 2014 and to Japan since 2015 and included a delegation of 28 London-based companies from the fintech, cyber and creative technology sectors.”
Carting nine staff around on long-haul flights will cost the taxpayer tens of thousands as well as presumably hurting the environment.
In Singapore Khan said one of his achievements was that he “announced a major new £7m campaign to promote London to international tourists and investors and fight back against harmful disinformation against the capital.” The Met is losing officers thanks to funding reductions, by the way…
Asked by Lobby hacks about his past comments on Trump (“any UK politician who gave Trump the time of day should be ashamed right now”) Burnham was blithe:
“Politicians say things throughout their career, but now the important thing is to focus on the moment you are in.”
Were it so easy…