2016

Just getting started...

Since I was sworn in as Mayor less than eight months ago, I've been working non-stop to deliver new opportunities for Londoners and keep the promises I made to you.

I'll keep up the pace in 2017, but I wanted to take a moment to share some of the things we’ve already achieved this year to improve our city for all Londoners.

May 

Day 1: signing the oath of office at Southwark Cathedral

I was extremely proud and humbled to be elected your Mayor for London in May.

I started my time as Mayor by putting forward the boldest plan to tackle air quality anywhere in the world.

I also announced my plans to improve mental health services in London by encouraging London's boroughs, emergency services and voluntary sectors to work more closely to ensure that vulnerable people are supported when in crisis.

June

Pride in London

Pride London this year was the 'biggest ever', with people coming from all over the world to celebrate. I was hugely proud to lead the march. 

During Ramadan I attended an interfaith Iftar at Lambeth Palace with Archbishop of Canterbury and the Chief Rabbi. The Iftar embodied the sense of togetherness we have in London. 

There has been a lot of uncertainty following the referendum to leave the European Union, but I am absolutely determined to get the best possible Brexit deal for London.

I launched the #LondonIsOpen campaign to bring together our communities, arts, culture and business leaders to ensure the world knows that London is still open to people, creativity, business, visitors, and new ideas.

July

Launching my air quality consultation 


During my election campaign, I promised to clean up London's air quality and in July I asked Londoners their views on my plans to tackle the issue. It has become the most popular consultation City Hall has ever run.

Keeping Londoners safe is my top priority. I joined the Met Police Commissioner and a Safer Neighbourhood Team in my local area to announce that there will be an extra dedicated police officer in every ward in London by 2017.

I'm also really proud to have launched the first ever gender pay audit at City Hall with a real plan to tackle pay inequality. 

August 

The Night Tube - up and running at last!

The first Night Tube services launched on the Central and Victoria lines in August. This was followed by the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines opening 24-hours at weekends, delivering on my pledge to get five lines running by Christmas 2016.

The Night Tube will help key workers get to and from work and support the night-time economy.

Alongside this, I introduced Britain's first low emissions bus zones – with new clean bus lanes in some of the most polluted areas of London.

September 

The Hopper fare - travel twice, pay once.

September started with the launch of the new Hopper Fare allowing passengers to take two bus or tram journeys within an hour for the price of one, anywhere in London.

In my drive to make TfL more efficient I appointed a new slimmed-down board with fewer members. The new board is also more representative of London with an increase in women, BAME and disability representation.

I visited Montreal, Chicago and New York to show that #LondonIsOpen. I met with senior politicians, city leaders and business leaders to share expertise on regeneration, housing and social integration, and to make the case for London as a key destination for North American investment. 

Making London's transport system safer and better for passengers is a priority. That's why I launched a review into ticket office closures with London Travelwatch and introduced a new HGV standard to make cycling on our roads safer. I also launched an action plan to make the taxi and private hire industry safer for Londoners and ensure there is room in the market for all providers.

October

A huge welcome home for our Olympic and Paralympic heroes

The fantastic range of arts, culture and sport that London has to offer is a huge part of what makes our city such a great place to live. We celebrated our amazing diversity in October, with Trafalgar Square hosting Africa on the Square and Diwali. The festivities continued when we welcomed home our Olympic and Paralympic heroes, celebrating their fantastic achievements in Rio.


I launched a new task force dedicated to helping tackle the shameful rise in the number of people sleeping rough on London's streets. The 'No Night Out Taskforce' will bring together agencies and resources to support the homeless and prevent rough sleeping.

I also announced plans for four new river crossings in East London, including the Rotherhithe-Canary Wharf cycle bridge, Silvertown Tunnel and Gallions Reach DLR.

November

Supporting #PoppyDay with the Royal British Legion

I have delivered my manifesto commitment to freeze all TfL fares. There will be no increases on the fares I control over the next four years. I have called on the Government to match it and freeze the fares they are responsible for on suburban rail, making travel more affordable for all Londoners.

I appointed London's first-ever Night Czar, Amy Lamé, who will work to make London a truly 24-hour city, promoting the night-time economy and keeping clubs and venues open.

We also honoured those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect London and our country on Remembrance Sunday.

December

Southwark Cathedral

My Christmas Carol service at St George's Cathedral in Southwark was time to reflect on the importance of community and goodwill. 

In my drive to tackle homelessness in London I launched a new £50 million fund to create more long-term affordable housing promoting independent living and backed the Evening Standard’s Christmas appeal for Centrepoint.

Let’s look forwards to 2017 with hope and optimism, and always remember that our diversity and openness is our greatest strength. As Londoners we don’t just tolerate, but celebrate and respect each other.

We show that London is open.

Merry Christmas everyone, and have a great 2017.