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Cleverly takes immediate swipe at Khan on London housing on return to Tory frontbench

James Cleverly Accuses Sadiq Khan of Failing London's Housing Crisis Amid Soaring Rents

In a scathing attack on London's housing policies, Home Secretary James Cleverly has lambasted Mayor Sadiq Khan for what he describes as a catastrophic failure to deliver on promises to build affordable homes, exacerbating the capital's deepening housing crisis. Speaking at a Conservative Party event, Cleverly highlighted the stark shortfall in new housing construction under Khan's tenure, arguing that the Labour mayor's inability to meet targets has left thousands of Londoners trapped in a cycle of high rents, overcrowding, and homelessness. This criticism comes at a pivotal moment, with the mayoral election looming and housing emerging as a battleground issue that could sway voters in one of the world's most expensive cities.

Cleverly, who is positioning himself as a key figure in the Conservative push to challenge Labour's dominance in London, pointed to official figures showing that Khan has overseen the construction of far fewer homes than pledged. According to data from the Greater London Authority (GLA) and government reports, Khan set an ambitious target of delivering 50,000 affordable homes annually when he first took office in 2016. However, the reality has fallen significantly short, with only around 35,000 affordable units completed in the most recent reporting period. Cleverly seized on this discrepancy, accusing Khan of "empty promises and excuses" that have allowed London's housing market to spiral out of control. "Sadiq Khan has had years to fix this, but all we've seen is delay after delay," Cleverly stated. "Londoners are paying the price with rents that are through the roof and families forced to live in substandard conditions."

The Home Secretary's remarks underscore a broader narrative of Conservative frustration with what they perceive as Labour's mismanagement of urban planning. Cleverly argued that Khan's policies have been hampered by bureaucratic red tape, opposition from local councils, and a reluctance to greenlight large-scale developments. He referenced specific projects, such as stalled regeneration schemes in areas like Barking and Dagenham, where promised housing estates have been bogged down in planning disputes. Furthermore, Cleverly linked the housing shortfall to rising crime and social inequality, suggesting that inadequate housing contributes to community breakdown. "When people can't afford a place to call home, it tears at the fabric of our society," he added, drawing a direct line between Khan's record and the challenges faced by young professionals, key workers, and low-income families.

London's housing crisis is indeed acute, with average rents surpassing £2,000 per month in many boroughs, according to recent surveys from property platforms like Rightmove and Zoopla. This has led to a surge in evictions, with no-fault evictions under Section 21 becoming a flashpoint for tenant rights campaigns. Cleverly criticized Khan for not doing enough to curb these trends, pointing out that despite initiatives like rent control pilots in some areas, the overall supply of new homes remains insufficient to meet demand. He contrasted this with Conservative-led efforts nationally, such as the government's pledge to build 300,000 homes a year across the UK, and promised that a Tory mayor would prioritize streamlining planning permissions to unlock brownfield sites and underused land for development.

In response, Sadiq Khan's office robustly defended his record, attributing the shortfalls to external factors beyond his control. A spokesperson for the mayor highlighted the impact of austerity measures imposed by successive Conservative governments, which have slashed funding for social housing by billions. "James Cleverly is playing politics with people's lives," the statement read. "Under Sadiq Khan, we've built more council homes than at any time since the 1970s, despite savage cuts from Westminster." Khan has indeed overseen the construction of over 100,000 affordable homes since 2016, a figure his team claims is a record for any London mayor. They point to programs like the Affordable Homes Programme, which has funded thousands of units through partnerships with housing associations and developers.

Khan's defenders argue that the mayor has faced unprecedented challenges, including the economic fallout from Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and soaring construction costs due to inflation and supply chain disruptions. For instance, the pandemic delayed numerous projects, while rising material prices have made it harder to deliver homes within budget. Moreover, Khan has implemented measures to protect renters, such as advocating for a rent freeze during the cost-of-living crisis and pushing for greater powers to regulate the private rental sector. His Renters' Charter aims to end no-fault evictions and introduce caps on rent increases, though these require national legislation to fully implement.

The exchange between Cleverly and Khan reflects deeper ideological divides on housing policy. Conservatives like Cleverly advocate for a market-driven approach, emphasizing deregulation to encourage private investment and rapid building. They criticize what they see as Khan's overreliance on public subsidies and his alleged NIMBYism (Not In My Backyard) in blocking developments to appease local residents. On the other hand, Khan's Labour administration stresses the need for affordable, social housing to combat inequality, accusing the government of favoring profit-driven developers over community needs.

This isn't the first time housing has been a political football in London. Previous mayors, including Boris Johnson, faced similar criticisms for missing targets, yet the scale of the current crisis— with over 300,000 people on social housing waiting lists and homelessness rates climbing—has amplified the stakes. Experts from organizations like Shelter and the Resolution Foundation warn that without urgent action, London's population growth could outpace housing supply by a wide margin, leading to further gentrification and displacement of lower-income residents to the suburbs or beyond.

Cleverly's intervention also ties into the broader Conservative strategy ahead of the 2024 mayoral race, where Susan Hall, the Tory candidate, is expected to make housing a centerpiece of her campaign. Hall has echoed Cleverly's sentiments, promising to "build, build, build" by reforming the planning system and incentivizing developers with tax breaks. Meanwhile, Khan is campaigning on his track record of delivering for Londoners, including expansions to public transport and environmental initiatives that he argues make the city more livable.

The debate extends to the human stories behind the statistics. Take, for example, the case of young families in areas like Tower Hamlets, where overcrowding is rampant, or key workers like nurses and teachers who are priced out of central London, commuting hours each day. Renters' groups have mobilized, staging protests and calling for immediate reforms. One such activist, speaking anonymously, told reporters, "Khan has done some good, but it's not enough. We need real change, not more blame games."

As the election approaches, the housing issue could prove decisive. Polls suggest that affordability is a top concern for London voters, cutting across party lines. Cleverly's attack on Khan may energize Conservative supporters, but it risks alienating those who blame national policies for local woes. Khan, for his part, is likely to counter by portraying the Conservatives as out of touch with urban realities.

In conclusion, James Cleverly's broadside against Sadiq Khan highlights the urgent need for solutions to London's housing woes. With rents at record highs and supply lagging demand, the next mayor will inherit a complex challenge requiring bold action. Whether through increased building, regulatory reforms, or enhanced funding, the path forward demands collaboration between local and national government—something that, amid the current political rancor, seems increasingly elusive. As Londoners grapple with the daily realities of the crisis, the rhetoric from both sides underscores a shared truth: the capital's future hinges on getting housing right.

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Read the Full London Evening Standard Article at:
[ https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/james-cleverly-sadiq-khan-london-housing-homes-rent-b1239583.html ]