As London goes to the polls this week, which mayoral candidate would be better for business?
Karren Brady, businesswoman and Conservative peer, says Zac.
The next mayor has to be able to work with this government, above all to deliver the infrastructure to cope with a growing population. It’s a scandal, for example, that Bank station – probably the most important tube station in the financial world – gets closed once a week on average because of overcrowding. Zac Goldsmith gets this and has promised to protect transport investment. It’s why he’ll be getting my vote. Sadiq Khan’s fares policy – which would take £1.9bn out of the transport budget – can’t be delivered without scrapping vital upgrades. It’s a short-termist pledge that London can’t afford. A vote for Goldsmith is a vote for a mayor who will work with this government to back business and keep our economy strong. A vote for Khan is a vote for Corbyn’s Labour, a party which has never been more hostile to enterprise. Thursday is our chance to send them a very clear message.
Rajesh Agrawal, founder and chief executive of RationalFX and Xendpay and business adviser to Sadiq Khan, says Sadiq.
Sadiq Khan has pledged to be the most business-friendly mayor London has ever had. He knows that the decent wages and opportunities for all he wants as a Labour politician are only possible in the context of a thriving London economy. Sadiq will therefore put business needs at the heart of future infrastructure investment, and will push for additional fundraising powers for major new projects like Crossrail. Sadiq understands that a skills shortage holds businesses back. His Skills Taskforce will bring businesses and educators together to ensure that young people are better equipped for the modern working world. Sadiq understands the pressure of rising business rents. He will work with councils to prevent loss of commercial spaces and promote small business and startup premises in new developments. And Sadiq understands that London is a global city. As mayor, he will champion London’s businesses at home and abroad, and he will campaign to stay in the EU, essential for the City, trade, jobs and workers’ rights.