London mayor urges Labour Party to ditch Jeremy Corbyn

London's mayor has called on fellow members of Britain's opposition Labour Party to replace leader Jeremy Corbyn, saying his failure to build support for Britain remaining in the EU showed he could not command voters' backing.

Sadiq Khan is one of Labour's most influential members after beating a challenger from the ruling Conservative Party to become London's first Muslim mayor earlier this year – a big prize for a party struggling in the opinion polls.

In a boost to MP Owen Smith, who is challenging Corbyn for the Labour leadership, Khan broke his silence over who he was backing in the contest. "Jeremy has already proved that he is unable to organise an effective team and has failed to win the trust and respect of the British people," Khan said in an article for the Observer newspaper. "I am afraid we simply cannot afford to go on like this."

Britain's June 23rd vote to leave the European Union has shaken the country's political landscape, throwing Labour and the UK Independence Party into turmoil and exposing deep divisions in the ruling Conservatives.

Corbyn, a veteran left-wing MP, was criticised by fellow politicians for failing to persuade thousands of traditional Labour supporters to back staying in the EU and for urging an immediate start to the exit process.

“I know from my own election – up against a nasty and divisive Tory campaign – that if we are strong and clear enough in our convictions, the message will get through to the public,” Khan said. “That’s a test that Jeremy totally failed in the EU referendum. Why would things be different in a general election?”

Corbyn has denied allegations from his critics that he failed to campaign strongly enough for Britain to stay in the EU. His leadership campaign responded to Khan’s comments by noting that Khan won his election as mayor with Corbyn’s help.

“Sadiq Khan is entitled to his opinion,” a campaign spokesman said in a statement. “But he won the London mayoralty, as others have pointed out, by standing on a Labour platform under the leadership of Jeremy Corbyn, backed by the huge numbers who have joined our party to support Jeremy and now campaign for Labour.”

Corbyn is favourite to win the leadership contest, supported by thousands of members who swept him to power last year amid a desire for change. He is particularly popular among younger voters who face difficulties in getting jobs and owning homes.

Smith is backed by most of Labour’s Westminster MPs, dozens of whom have said they have no confidence in Corbyn.

The result of the leadership election is expected on September 24th.

– Reuters