Jim O’Neill, a former Treasury minister and ally of Andy Burnham, criticised Sadiq Khan’s record as London mayor, citing low housebuilding, the prolonged closure of Hammersmith Bridge and what he sees as a loss of economic momentum. He questioned whether London’s mayoral system is sufficiently focused and effective, while arguing that the capital’s performance matters to the wider UK economy.

O’Neill said London’s economy had slowed significantly over the past two decades, attributing this partly to the post-2014–15 property-market peak, Brexit and policy changes affecting overseas property ownership. He also contrasted London with Greater Manchester, arguing that the latter had benefited more from devolved powers, while acknowledging that some of London’s difficulties may stem from wider forces beyond the mayor’s control.