'Proud Swiftie' Sadiq Khan put on the spot as he refuses to name his favourite Taylor Swift album

'proud swiftie' sadiq khan put on the spot as he refuses to name his favourite taylor swift album

Taylor Swift and Sadiq Khan

Sadiq Khan was put on the spot on Thursday as he appeared unable to name a single Taylor Swift album, despite professing to being a “proud Swiftie”.

The London mayor was asked four times which of the global megastar’s albums was his favourite by Emma Best, deputy leader of the London Assembly’s Conservative group.

Ms Best had been asking Mr Khan at Mayor’s Question Time about the possibility of a second entrance at Chingford station, before saying that she would be using the station to go and see one of Swift’s upcoming concerts this summer.

The artist is booked to perform a total of eight shows at Wembley Stadium in June and August. Mr Khan recently told the Independent newspaper he was excited by the fact she has chosen to play more nights in London than any other city.

“As a proud Swiftie, I’m very excited that the phenomenal Taylor Swift is coming to London next month and her amazing fanbase here in the capital and beyond will give her a big London welcome,” he told the paper.

Referring to these comments, Ms Best said: “I was happy to hear that you are yourself a Swiftie, and we have some common ground - so I wondered, what is your favourite era?”

The mayor replied: “Well, as an ‘anti-hero’, you’ll appreciate that the era I like the best are Labour eras.”

The Tory member repeated: “What’s your favourite Taylor Swift era?”

But Mr Khan tried to move on to another subject, butchering the name of one of Swift’s most famous songs by saying: “Oh listen, I think we’re not going to ‘shake it out’ today. But the key thing is to make sure that-”

Ms Best cut in, asking him twice again for his favourite Taylor Swift album.

“I’d like to know that it’s your favourite when I’m listening to it,” she added.

“As a Swiftie, you’ll appreciate that they’re all my favourites,” said Mr Khan.

“I think you don’t know one, Mr Mayor, and I think you’re trying to latch on to the Swiftie stardom, to say that you’re a Swiftie,” Ms Best said, adding: “I’m onto you, Mr Mayor, thank you.”

Mr Khan hit back: “You know the Tories are desperate when they think association with Taylor Swift will help them win the election.

“The reality is, no other city in the world has as many Taylor Swift concerts as London, and we can’t wait.”

Assembly chairman Andrew Boff admitted to being less of a fan. He told the chamber: “I keep thinking - Taylor who?

“I haven’t a clue. I listened to one of her songs the other day - what tripe.”

Labour assembly member Joanne McCartney then raised her hand to speak, prompting Mr Khan to slip in another reference to one of Swift’s songs by saying: “Chair, she’s been waiting a ‘fortnight’ to ask the question.”

Ms McCartney, who as ‘statutory deputy mayor’ is Mr Khan’s second-in-command, tried to rescue her boss from embarrassment by saying: “Perhaps the answer to your favourite Taylor Swift album would be the album ‘Red’?”

Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.

OTHER NEWS

18 minutes ago

Public-transport users hit with more fare increases

18 minutes ago

Wes Streeting: The GP system is on brink of collapse

18 minutes ago

Hockey Hall Of Fame Announces the Class of 2024

18 minutes ago

Lauren Boebert has won her primary. What now?

18 minutes ago

New report reveals risks reshaping South Africa's employee landscape

18 minutes ago

Friendly’s and Hershey’s ice creams among nearly 70 products recalled over risk of listeria contamination

18 minutes ago

I’m 70, retired and my husband and I have Social Security, two 401(k)s and an annuity so we ‘live comfortably.’ So do I even need my financial adviser anymore?

18 minutes ago

SA Social Media Landscape Launch Webinar – 28 June 2024

18 minutes ago

Ian Wright wants new position for Arsenal star to 'activate' England attack at Euro 2024

18 minutes ago

Brazil's Supreme Court decriminalizes marijuana possession

18 minutes ago

Julian Assange plea deal hearing begins

18 minutes ago

Bonitas, Gift of the Givers restore reliable water to Kalafong Hospital

18 minutes ago

Brand new classic Fords heading to production

18 minutes ago

#YouthMonth: Oryx+Crake's Mbongo Junior Koyana discusses the link between freedom and creativity

18 minutes ago

Court rules in favour of insurer in dispute over towed vehicle

18 minutes ago

Calls to reinstate overnight and palliative care in Cunderdin 10 years after demolition of hospital

18 minutes ago

George Latimer ousts ‘Squad’ Rep. Jamaal Bowman in 16th District primary

18 minutes ago

Bad news for borrowers as inflation surges - adding to fears of rate pain

23 minutes ago

NCAA council votes to remove cannabis from banned drug list, removes limits on on-field coaches

23 minutes ago

Asia-Pacific markets mostly rise ahead of Australia's May inflation data

25 minutes ago

How the Fed’s inflation fight inflames the national debt

25 minutes ago

Charles Payne: Stop painting a picture of even prosperity for everyone

25 minutes ago

‘He understands where the line is’: Blues back Mitchell to keep emotions in check

25 minutes ago

2 ASX shares that would pass Peter Lynch's favourite valuation metric

25 minutes ago

Sydney landmark listed for sale

25 minutes ago

Kgomotso Pooe shares Soweto dream

25 minutes ago

Fact Check: Posts Claim Angel Reese Is Facing 'Financial Turmoil' After Losing $50M in Endorsements. Here's the Truth

25 minutes ago

Australia's first all-natural burial cemetery, Walawaani Way in Bodalla, aims to reforest disused farmland

25 minutes ago

‘What are the current policies going to cost?’: John Anderson on Labor’s energy plan

25 minutes ago

What kind of return could I expect by investing $200 monthly into ASX shares?

25 minutes ago

SpaceX Dragon capsule on display ahead of joining space shuttle LA exhibit

25 minutes ago

Jeremy Renner goes shirtless, revealing scars from near-fatal snowplow accident: 'I look great!'

25 minutes ago

DAILY MAIL COMMENT: How much has Labour truly changed?

25 minutes ago

Video: He does exercise! Kyle Sandilands attempts to ride a bike around Sydney after revealing his shock weight live on-air

25 minutes ago

Video: Elsa Hosk lifts up her dress to show off her abs in a skimpy blue bikini during summer getaway

28 minutes ago

BHP rejects hydrogen and hybrids, backs electric trucks

29 minutes ago

EV maker Rivian gets $6.8 billion lifeline in joint venture with Volkswagen

32 minutes ago

‘What on earth is going on?’: Labor Senator crosses the floor on Palestine vote

32 minutes ago

There are better ways to protest climate change than spray painting Stonehenge

32 minutes ago

Portugal is among the worst affected countries as climate change ramps up extreme wildfires