Sadiq Khan 'forces London schools to vote' on free meals policy

Sadiq Khan Photo: Paul Grover for The Telegraph

Sadiq Khan has been accused of forcing London schools to campaign for his free school meals policy on his behalf in the run-up to next May's mayoral election.

The Mayor of London has come under fire for a clause in his Council Funding Grant for Nutrition, which stipulates that local education authorities will have to «contribute to the Mayor and his investing in school meals through branding and communication.”

Earlier this year, Mr Khan announced a £130 million policy to roll out free school meals already available to children in receptions and first class classes, for all elementary school students in the capital.

However, the Mayor's document setting out the terms of the grant clearly states that the funding is subject to certain conditions.

One of the clauses states: “A grant agreement that will need to be entered into between each LEA [local Education] and the GLA [Greater London Authority] should promote the Mayor and his investment in school meals through branding and communication in line with further guidance from the GLA.»

Another says: “Mayor investment should be encouraged in any branding/communications. This includes providing links to the expansion's funding source as Mayor of London and supporting the dissemination of a message from the Mayor to all affected families, parents or guardians. Further advice will follow later.»

Susan Hall said she would «repeal these outrageous conditions» if she became mayor. Photo: David Rose for The Telegraph

Susan Hall, the former leader of the Conservative group in City Hall who is running for Conservative mayor, criticized the conditions.

«This is absolutely shameful of Sadiq Khan,» she said. “He is effectively forcing schools to put up posters advertising him before the election and threatens to take away their free school meals if they refuse. This proves once again that Sadiq Khan only cares about himself and his political ambitions.

“If I am elected mayor, I will extend the free school meals program for one year and remove these outrageous conditions. ”

A spokesperson for Mr Khan said: “With the cost of living skyrocketing, the mayor is proud of his decision to step in to support families with a £130 million emergency funding plan that will enable students elementary grades in publicly funded schools across London. receive free school meals for the next school year.

“Kadik will continue to urge the government to step up and provide funding to make this permanent.

The Free School Meal Condition Grant is not the only time Mr. Khan has faced questions about his approach to marketing and communications. .

Sadiq Khan POLL

A recent London Underground poster for the London state debate asked citizens «What else can we deliver London together?» while stating that Mr Khan » has already delivered» «a record number of new council houses», «more police and better services for youth» and «tough action on clean air and the climate crisis». /p>

The mayor's office did not respond to a question about how much the ad cost, but a spokesman said: «The mayor makes no apologies for urging Londoners to take part in the recent London state debate, where he prided himself on discussing how it can make London safer, fairer, greener and more prosperous for all.”