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A tale of two cities: London鈥檚 lesson for New York鈥檚 first Muslim mayor

The Global Story. Where the world and America meet.

Even before Zohran Mamdani was elected as New York鈥檚 first Muslim mayor, his critics frequently cited London as a sort of cautionary tale, suggesting that New York under Mamdani could go 鈥渢he way of London.鈥 That鈥檚 because London already has a liberal, Muslim mayor - Sadiq Khan. But is that where the similarities end?

We talk to Tim Donovan, a former 蜜芽传媒 reporter who covered London politics for decades. And we ask Mr Khan himself what it鈥檚 like to be a local politician with an international profile - especially when your most persistent critic, is a tenacious man called Donald Trump?

Producers: Xandra Ellin, Valerio Esposito and Cat Farnsworth

Mix: Travis Evans

Senior news editor: China Collins

Image: New York City mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, waves to his supporters after winning the 2025 New York City Mayoral race. Jeenah Moon / Reuters

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