Treasury or Jeremy? London Mayor Sadiq Khan Cozies Up to Chancellor Hammond

​It's been reported that Sadiq Khan is pressing the Treasury to announce fresh devolution powers for London — hoping Mr. Hammond will make such an announcement in his Autumn statement, as the Brexit cloud continues to loom over the UK's capital.  

"I've been impressed by the willingness of the government to recognize that London is the powerhouse for our country," Mr. Khan told free morning newspaper City AM.

"More so now than ever before, the government needs to give Londoners more control over our city."

Mr. Khan, who recently received a 10-minute standing ovation after his speech at the Labour party conference, is keen to show the Tory party that he means business — while reasssuring party members that Labour can govern again.

​"With Labour in power in cities and regions, we can show that our party can be trusted to govern again," Mr. Khan told the audience.

"With Labour in power we can demonstrate that we can make a real difference to people's lives. And with Labour in power, we can prove that we're ready for government."

Mr. Khan's signature line "with Labour in power" was indeed mentioned 28 times during his speech.

​However, when Jeremy Corbyn congratulated Khan for his successful Mayoral win in his speech at the Labour party conference, Sadiq Khan appeared to wince.

Mr. Khan is reportedly looking for a range of new powers for London, including tax devolution and more control of the capital. "There's a coalition that we have formed with business leaders, businesses, the City of London Corporation, council leaders and London MPs of all parties and we all agree that London needs more control."

Hoping for good news from the Chancellor in Autumn, Mr. Khan told City AM that the government has concerns that Brexit, means brain-drain.

"Whether it's insurers or banks or tech entrepreneurs, a key concern they have got is whether losing EU membership will mean they find it more difficult to get talent to London," he said.

"We can't afford to give the impression that we are going to stop being open minded or outward looking," said Mr. Khan.

A picture, they say, is worth a thousand words, and while Sadiq Khan mentioned "Labour in power" 28 times — he only mentioned Jeremy Corbyn's name once.

And on the face of it, Sadiq Khan looks like he wanted a bit of distance from the party leader, while looking to get a little bit closer to the Chancellor.