Lord Khan of Tooting has expressed uncertainty about whether he will seek re-election as mayor of London, citing the personal toll of abuse directed at him and his family. Speaking at a recent Future of London summit, Khan, 55, acknowledged the challenges he has faced due to the nature of the criticism he receives, which he said often targets his race and faith rather than his political record.

Khan, who has served as London’s mayor since 2016 and is the city’s longest-serving incumbent in the role, said he remained motivated and full of ideas but had yet to decide if he would run again in the 2028 mayoral election. “Ask me again next year,” he told attendees, indicating a delay in making a definitive decision.

During his remarks, Khan described the abuse as unfair and difficult not only for himself but also for his children and extended family. “The stuff they see on social media is not about my politics, it’s often about my race and my faith,” he said, emphasizing the need to stand firm against such hostility.

The 2028 mayoral race is beginning to take shape, with candidates from other parties already declaring their intentions to run. Among them is James Cleverly, a Conservative and former home secretary, who resigned from the shadow cabinet last month to focus on his mayoral bid. At the same summit, Cleverly called Khan’s tenure “disappointing” but stopped short of the harsher characterizations some members of his party have used in the past, saying Khan was not “awful” or “catastrophic.”

Another prospective candidate, Laila Cunningham, a Reform UK councillor, has also announced plans to enter the race.

As London prepares for the next mayoral election, Khan’s final decision on whether to seek another term remains pending, with political observers closely watching how the evolving field of candidates will shape the contest.