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Sadiq Khan apologises after calling Tory rival ‘thick’

Sadiq Khan at Mayor's Question Time (Credit: London City Hall)

Ding ding! Over the river at City Hall things got heated this morning with London Mayor Sadiq Khan forced to apologise for labelling a Tory rival ‘thick’.

Khan was being grilled over the expanded Ulez zone during Mayor’s Question Time, with Conservative London Assembly member Peter Fortune trying repeatedly to pin Khan down on when reports on the scheme’s expanded zone might be published. Frustrated by the Mayor’s refusal to give a straight answer, Fortune continued to probe Khan and said: ‘You know, you can be a bit slippy. You’re very good at this!’

After a bit of back and forth, the Mayor shot back, claiming his exchange with Fortune was ‘like being back at sixth form’. Khan then added, ‘Honestly Chair, for someone who reads a lot, he ain’t half thick is he?’ Ouch.

Unperturbed, amongst the booing Khan’s insult prompted, Fortune claimed victory in the slanging match.

Steerpike
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Steerpike

Steerpike is The Spectator's gossip columnist, serving up the latest tittle tattle from Westminster and beyond. Email tips to steerpike@spectator.co.uk or message @MrSteerpike

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