As first years in a new job go, Sadiq Khan's as Mayor Of London has not been the easiest. He was elected to replace Boris Johnson in May 2016 and in that year has had to cope with the fallout from Brexit, terror attacks on Westminster Bridge, Borough Market, Finsbury Mosque and the Grenfell Tower disaster. His reactions to some of those disasters have put him at the forefront of the world media attention.
London's first Muslim Mayor
As the capital's first Muslim mayor Khan had to be sure to give Londoners of all faiths the correct message after the terror attacks claimed many lives.
As a practising Muslim, he was only too aware of how incendiary the situation could become if it were to be handled wrongly. A former lawyer and MP, Khan is used to choosing the right words and he did so again making the simple "Not in my name" statement after the London Bridge attack as he was concerned about fellow Muslims feeling somehow responsible.
In his first year as mayor, he has been an enormous success. Publicly visible within hours of a disaster, comforting families of victims and survivors alike. His messages have been politically on point and well delivered. He has presented a different face of politics than his predecessor Boris Johnson, who preferred to play the clown.
Twitter spat with Donald Trump
So what is the problem with the US President? It would seem that, in addition to being a Muslim, Trump has taken umbrage with Khan's statement that after the June terror attacks and an increased police presence on the streets there was "no need to be alarmed." Trump went into meltdown on Twitter criticising Khan's statement.
Donald Trump Jr. also joined in the attack in reply to a quote from Khan taken out of context that terror attacks were "part and parcel" of living in a big city. Khan refused to bite, replying that he had been busy with more important things.
Trump's state visit to UK
It is no secret that Khan opposes plans for a state visit to the UK by the US Commander-in-Chief.
His claim is that whilst the President of the USA has many policies, including a travel ban from six predominantly Muslim countries, that we fundamentally disagree with, it would be inappropriate to roll out the red carpet.
For his part, Trump is reluctant to visit the UK at least until 2018 or until he is sure that there will be more support for him and his policies. So it would appear that there may be somewhat of a stalemate.
Whatever happens between them, Khan has shown that he is a doer. He is a man of the people, for the people and he wants to serve six terms as London mayor. There will be few who would bet against him.
