With the race for Mayor of London tight, Khan warns that young voters could face regret if they don’t turn out at the polls.

Sadiq Khan has issued a stark warning to young Londoners, urging them to vote in the upcoming mayoral election or risk being “shocked” by the result, similar to the surprises of Brexit and Donald Trump’s 2016 election win.

With the race tightening ahead of the May 2 election, Khan, who is seeking a historic third term, said that if younger voters fail to show up at the polls, the Conservatives could “sneak in” under the radar. His comments come as polling shows his lead over Tory candidate Susan Hall narrowing, particularly among younger voters.

The Mayor expressed concern that the upcoming election could echo the 2016 referendum and the US presidential race, where young people’s lack of participation left them waking up to unexpected outcomes. “I’m worried we could see a repeat of the Brexit referendum and Trump’s 2016 victory, where young people were shocked because they didn’t voice their opinions at the ballot box,” he told The Guardian.

According to a YouGov poll, only 30% of 18 to 24-year-olds are certain to vote, compared to 67% of over-65s, where Hall has a clear lead. “If younger Londoners don’t vote, the Tories will sneak in,” Khan added.

Khan urged young voters to follow the example set in the 2020 US elections, where a high youth turnout helped defeat Trump. “I’m asking young Londoners to do the same here, and ensure that we don’t let the Tory candidate win,” he said, describing Hall as a “hard-right Tory candidate” who could set the city back.

As the election draws near, Khan’s message is clear: “Please come out and vote. Your voice matters. Every vote counts.”