The race to become London’s next mayor heated up today as Sadiq Khan branded rival Zac Goldsmith a “serial underachiever” who “simply isn’t up to the job”.
A mock CV released by Khan’s campaign lists a number of criticisms of his rival including the fact that he “voted with the Tory while 9 times out of 10” – a criticism which ignores that Khan routinely votes in line with the Labour party leadership.
The CV, which is being promoted on Twitter and Facebook, also slams Goldsmith as being “not good enough for ministerial office” and quotes Heathrow chairman Sir Nigel Rudd’s recent attack that “he was left money by his daddy”.
Despite the inclusion of Sir Nigel’s comments Mr Khan’s campaign claimed he would never seek to use Goldsmith’s wealth against him.
An emailed statement credited to “a Labour source” but issued by Mr Khan’s official spokesperson said: “We will never criticise Zac Goldsmith for being born into wealth.
“But we will point out that he is a serial underachiever who has never been a success in business or politics despite the vast opportunities he has been afforded.
“His lack of values, experience and substance shows he simply isn’t up to the job of leading the world’s greatest city.”
Mr Khan’s objection to his rival’s previous work experience appears to be at odds with his strong support for former Labour leader Ed Miliband whose career outside of politics consisted of a single year as a Channel 4 researcher.