London's newly elected Mayor Sadiq Khan has resigned as a member of the Parliament (MP), forcing a by-election.

Khan, who has served as a Labour MP for the London constituency of Tooting for 11 years, is quitting Westminster to concentrate on his new role as the first ever Muslim mayor of London.

A Parliament spokesman said: "A by-election will take place at a later date in the constituency of Tooting." No date has yet been announced.

Meanwhile, Mayor Khan has rejected an offer from Donald Trump to make the new London mayor an "exception" to a ban on Muslims traveling to the United States should he be elected as President in November's election.

Explaining why he has rejected the "offer," Khan said: "This isn't just about me. It's about my friends, my family and everyone who comes from a background similar to mine, anywhere in the world, " he said.

Speaking in London, Khan described Trump's views of Islam as ignorant, saying they "could make both our countries less safe."

Trump said he was "happy" Khan had been chosen to lead London, adding: "If he does a good job and frankly if he does a great job,  that would be a terrific thing." 

Source:
courtesy of XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

by Larry Neild

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