Sadiq Khan Faces Humiliation for Dodging Grooming Gangs Questions in Heated City Hall Clash

Reform UK London Assembly member Alex Wilson has accused Mayor Sadiq Khan of failing to take the issue of grooming gangs seriously following a heated exchange at City Hall.

The criticism arose after Khan repeatedly refused to answer whether he was aware of grooming gangs operating in London during questioning by former London Tory leader Susan Hall.

During the City Hall session, Hall pressed Khan on whether he was aware of abuse gangs similar to those in Rotherham and Bradford. Khan repeatedly asked Hall to clarify what she meant by “grooming gangs.” Hall responded: “The sort of gangs that groom young girls at a young age for sex. How much clearer do you want me to be?” Khan acknowledged that young people were being exploited in London but stated that the issue was “not as defined” by Hall.

Wilson described the exchange as “ridiculous” in comments to GB News, accusing Khan of attempting to provoke Hall into making controversial remarks. “There was a ridiculous back and forth.

He tried to goad Susan Hall into saying something so he could play the race card,” Wilson told GB News. “Sadiq Khan is not taking the grooming gangs seriously, just like he isn’t taking knife crime seriously,” he added.

Wilson also criticized Khan’s approach to cross-party cooperation, stating: “The London Assembly is there to represent all Londoners. We’re elected across a range of parties, and the way it’s structured should encourage people to work together despite their political differences. But he showed clearly he has no interest in that.”

The exchange occurred shortly before Labour Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced new funding to investigate grooming gangs. The Government pledged £10 million for five local reviews, including one at Oldham Council, led by Tom Crowther KC, who previously oversaw the Telford inquiry.

However, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the funding as “totally inadequate,” arguing that it would only cover a fraction of affected towns and that the inquiries lacked necessary powers.