The two key candidates for Mayor of London—Zac Goldsmith (Conservative) and Sadiq Khan (Labour)—have adopted very different positions on culture in the coming election. This takes place on 5 May, following the departure of Boris Johnson, whose ebullient personality has given the post global influence.
Goldsmith has studiously avoided setting out a cultural programme, arguing that what is needed is the right environment to enable the arts to thrive. His 91-page general manifesto has only a single passing reference to culture, in its role in supporting life-long skills.
Speaking at a hustings organised by the Creative Industries Federation, Goldsmith responded to a question on arts policy by saying that he does “not have a separate manifesto”. For him, transport, infrastructure and housing are key: “I question the premise of your question,” he said. “If we don’t create an environment in which people can afford to live, there will be no creative sector. If we want to grow a vibrant cultural sector, we need to solve the housing crisis.”
Khan has been much more specific in his support for the arts. If elected, he promises a Cultural Infrastructure Plan for the years up to 2030 “to identify what we need in order to sustain London‘s future as a cultural capital”. He plans a Love London Pass, giving Londoners discounts on exhibitions, galleries, concerts and restaurants. Khan also proposes an annual London Commission to support public works of art.
With falling local authority expenditure on the arts, Khan plans to put greater emphasis on philanthropy. He promises: “I’ll use City Hall to bring together the city’s wealthiest residents with the aim of increasing giving and donations, so that we can invigorate our arts and culture.”
Arguably his most interesting idea is to establish a changing London Borough of Culture, similar to the European City of Culture. The proposal is that ”every year a different borough is the focus of celebration of the city’s arts and culture”. Of course its success will depend on whether boroughs are willing to help fund such years.
The opinion polls suggest that Khan is likely to win, but there could well be a shift before polling day. The fringe candidates include Caroline Pidgeon (Liberal Democrat), whose manifesto includes support for the Museum of London’s move to a new building in Smithfield. Sian Berry (Green Party) has some interesting ideas: requiring new building developments to have cultural spaces and ensuring that digital advertising spaces in tube stations devote one minute every hour to the arts.
Peter Whittle (UK Independence Party) has been the party’s spokesperson for culture since 2014. He has a deeper interest in and understanding of the arts than any of the other candidates. Whittle set up a think-tank called New Culture Forum and his website opens with a photograph of the former television producer standing outside the National Gallery. However, those involved in the arts generally favour the UK’s membership of the European Union—and few are likely to vote UKIP.
Zac Goldsmith has been the Conservative MP for Richmond Park (south-west London) since 2010. He is the son of the billionaire businessman James Goldsmith. As the former editor of The Ecologist magazine, he is a staunch defender of sound environmental policies. Goldsmith is generally on the liberal wing of the Conservative Party, although he opposes UK membership of the European Union.
Sadiq Khan has been the Labour MP for Tooting (south London) since 2005. He was born in London to Pakistani parents; his father worked as a bus driver. Khan became a human rights lawyer. In 2008 he was appointed communities minister in the Labour government and a year later he was appointed to the Privy Council, making him the first Muslim and Asian to attend Cabinet. Khan wants to stay in Europe.