Sadiq Khan on Zac Goldsmith’s win: ‘I welcome the debate’

Mr Goldsmith was elected with 70% of the vote following an online primary and will face-off with Labour’s choice Sadiq Khan in the 2016 mayoral election.

Numerous polls tipped him for the win, but he is also the most likely candidate to take over from Boris Johnson and retain City Hall in Tory hands.

Speaking after the announcment this morning, Mr Goldsmith said London had “come a long way” under Mr Johnson.

Mr Goldsmith also pledged to “reserve” the right to reform the government’s Housing Bill, saying that while he backed the overall law he may “team up with other MPs to knock it into shape”. Londoners are being priced out of their city and we will need a step change in the number of homes built, and the manner in which they are built.

Peter Whittle said previously: “I’m thrilled and honoured to have been chosen as UKIP Mayoral candidate for London, along with our excellent team of [London Assembly] candidates!”

The Richmond Park and North Kingston MP beat London Assembly Member Andrew Boff, MEP Syed Kamall and London’s deputy mayor for crime and policing Stephen Greenhalgh.

Zac Goldsmith clashed with David Cameron just hours after winning the Tory nomination for London Mayor on Friday as he issued challenges over Europe, Heathrow expansion and housing.

Mr Khan, who won Labour’s nomination last month, congratulated his Tory rival this monring. If you look at the votes cast in the most recent election that puts Labour considerably ahead, so we have got our work cut out.

So now we know.

He told BBC Radio 4’s World At One programme: “My assessment of the chances was obviously wrong”.

Mr Goldsmith said he was “not a headbanger” over Brussels and said his “dream” was for a “genuinely reformed” European Union.

The former Ecologist editor has said his policy priorities would include growing public transport and “promoting a healthier living environment for London families”.

The fight for Mayor of London has been announced.