Sadiq Khan under pressure over his response to London murders London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been accused by Labour and Tory MPs of taking too low a profile during the […]

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been accused by Labour and Tory MPs of taking too low a profile during the recent spate of murders and knife attacks in the capital.

Tottenham MP David Lammy said he had not heard from Mr Khan – or Home Secretary Amber Rudd – despite four of the killings taking place in his constituency.

“This problem requires real authority. This is a job for the Mayor” The i politics newsletter cut through the noise Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Iain Duncan Smith

Mr Lammy said: “I’ve not had a phone call from the Home Secretary, I’ve not had a phone call from the Mayor. No one has come to visit my constituency.”

And the former Tory Cabinet minister Iain Duncan Smith claimed the Mayor was “missing in action” when he should be getting to grips with the wave of violent crime.

“My question is, where has he been? This problem requires real authority. This is a job for the Mayor,” Mr Duncan Smith said.

No meetings with victims’ families

The criticism facing Mr Khan was fuelled by his admission on Thursday that he was yet to meet any of the bereaved families of recent murder victims.

The London Mayor has repeatedly attacked the government for imposing huge cuts on London’s policing budget, as well as reducing spending to youth centres, probation services and mental health provision.

Mr Khan is now facing his most intense pressure since taking over from Boris Johnson almost two years ago.

His critics claim that he is more interested in creating headlines than taking concrete action to lead the fight against crime.

Limited room for manoeuvre

However, his room for manoeuvre is limited as the Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick is in charge of operational issues and Ms Rudd sets the overall direction of policing policy.

A spokesperson for the Mayor said: “The Mayor is shocked and angered by the violent deaths on the streets of London this year.

He is heartbroken that so many of those taken have been young lives – and his thoughts are with their friends and family at this difficult time.

“The police are doing everything they can to catch those responsible and bring them to justice and patrols have already been stepped up and extra stop-and-search powers are in place in the worst-hit parts of London.”