Monday, November 27, 2023 5:17 p.m.
Rajesh Agrawal, London's Deputy Mayor for Business, has quit City Hall to stand as a Labor MP, it has been confirmed.
Mr Agrawal was appointed to the role in May 2016 and was also chairman of London & Partners, the capital's business growth and destination agency.
He is currently Labour's elected parliamentary candidate for Leicester East. The move comes as London Mayor Sadiq Khan prepares to run for a record third term next May.
“It was a pleasure to work with Rajesh as he played a leading role in delivering some of this administration's most significant achievements,” Khan said.
“From six times more Londoners receiving the London Living Wage to securing billions of pounds of inward investment and creating hundreds of thousands of new jobs.”
The mayor added that Mr Agrawal's achievements come “against the backdrop of Brexit, failed government trade negotiations, the pandemic and the current cost of living crisis”.
He said: “The fact that London has come through these challenges in a stronger economic position than the rest of the UK speaks volumes about our city and the role Rajesh has played.” .
Mr Agrawal said his role had been an “honor and privilege”, and said he was dealing with “the economic and political uncertainty of Brexit, the loss of lives and livelihoods due to the pandemic, the cost of living crisis and its impact on business”. emphasized.
He added: “During these adversities, I am proud of the achievements we have achieved together and the progress we have made in fostering a vibrant business environment in the city. London is one of the best places in the world to do business. We will continue to be one of the best cities in the world.”
an Indian-origin entrepreneur who led a trade mission that included India; Posted on X (formerly Twitter) after election on November 19th: “It’s time to take advantage of this fortunate moment to reset Leicester East, with Labor MPs committed to the good of everyone who lives here.”
A City Hall spokesperson said today (Monday, November 27) was Mr Khan's last day in office and he would now begin the recruitment process to appoint Mr Agrawal's successor.
The City Hall Conservative Group has been contacted for comment.
