Labour’s City and East London Assembly winner is already focused on helping to secure his party a victory in the upcoming general election, after re-election for a second term today.
Unmesh Desai shared his commitment to helping Labour succeed in upcoming elections and increase the party’s share of his constituency, in an address to the ExCel this afternoon.
Desai said: “I want to get all our Labour MP candidates elected in City and East London, and I will do everything I can, starting from Monday.
“We have to build for the general election. I want to keep our flag flying high at City Hall.
“The biggest challenge is having a Labour government working with a Labour mayor. And that fight starts today.
“There’s a clear signal it’s time for a change.”
Desai also congratulated Sadiq Khan for his re-election as mayor for a historic third-term, and thanked City and East for their unwavering support.
He secured 99,570 votes (55%) against Conservative Freddie Downing’s 29,083 votes in the constituency, which covers the City of London, Barking and Dagenham, Newham and Tower Hamlets.
Desai commented: “This was a positive campaign, a victory of hope over fear, and unity over division and we (City and East) have a long tradition of rejecting extremism or hate of any type.
“Free school meals, TFL fares, more council housing, 150,000 new jobs – Sadiq Khan and the Labour Party offer this, and London has responded accordingly.
“I’m honoured that the people of City and East London have returned me, it’s a huge pride and passion of mine to represent this historic part of London.
“East London made London.
“I’ll be with you all the way. Onwards and upwards.”
Desai hopes to prioritise investment in skilled jobs, public transport, police and housing as Councillor, a role held by him since 2016.
Labour has held City and East since the first London Assembly election in 2000.
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