The Diary of a CEOSadiq Khan: The Dark Side Of The Police. How Safe Are We REALLY? | E216
CHAPTERS
- 0:00 – 4:20
Opening, Gratitude and Introduction to Sadiq Khan
Steven Bartlett opens with a heartfelt thanks to listeners and asks them to subscribe, explaining how audience support shapes the calibre of guests. He then introduces Sadiq Khan as London’s first Muslim mayor, highlighting his controversial profile and posing the central question of how safe London really is.
- 4:20 – 13:50
Immigrant Roots and Growing Up in South London
Khan traces his family story from pre-partition India to Pakistan and then to London, describing how his parents lost everything, migrated twice, and built a life in a South London council flat with eight children. He reflects on feeling 'privileged' despite poverty, internalising a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility to give back.
- 13:50 – 28:30
Work Ethic, Dark Side, and Seven-Day Leadership
Bartlett probes what differentiates Khan from 'the average person,' including his inability to switch off and the potential downsides of relentless drive. Khan defends his seven-day schedule as a response to the finite nature of his mandate, while acknowledging sacrifices made by his family and the importance of keeping home life normal.
- 28:30 – 40:30
From Human Rights Lawyer to MP for Tooting
Khan explains leaving a lucrative legal practice to stand as MP for his home constituency, Tooting. Motivated by witnessing injustice—from police misconduct to workplace discrimination and his father’s treatment at the bus garage—he sought a role where he could change laws systemically rather than just case by case.
- 40:30 – 54:40
Is London Getting Less Safe? Crime, Austerity and Public Health
Bartlett argues London feels less safe and cites burglary, robberies of celebrities, and friends leaving the UK partly over safety concerns. Khan responds with data showing some serious crimes have fallen in London relative to national trends but concedes that austerity-driven cuts to policing and youth services have fuelled violence since 2013, pushing his public health approach to crime.
- 54:40 – 1:04:40
Knife Crime, Fear, and Changing Youth Culture
Using the story of murdered teenager Hazrat Wali, Bartlett and Khan explore how fear drives young people to carry knives, perpetuating violence. Khan details school outreach, using credible messengers like bereaved mothers, and intelligence-led stop and search to deter carrying, while highlighting the importance of mentors and 'soft skills' in diverting youth from crime.
- 1:04:40 – 1:09:10
Perception of Safety vs Reality; Gendered Fear in the City
Bartlett contrasts London’s atmosphere with very low-crime environments he’s visited, saying he just wants to 'feel really safe.' Khan replies that for policy he must compare London to peer global cities like New York, but concedes that if women and girls feel unsafe enough to self-impose curfews, then London is not truly safe, regardless of statistics.
- 1:09:10 – 1:47:00
Met Police, Violence Against Women, and Institutional Reform
Following high-profile murders of women by serving officers, Khan argues the Met has deep cultural and systemic problems. He details why he lost confidence in the previous Commissioner, what reforms the new leadership is pursuing, and how external scrutiny and rule changes are essential to rebuild trust.
- 1:47:00 – 1:57:40
Grenfell, Terror Attacks and the Emotional Toll of Office
Khan recalls 2017 as his hardest year, with the Grenfell Tower fire and multiple terror attacks in London. He describes the searing memory of Grenfell, his commitment to bereaved families, and the carefully drilled but emotionally constrained role he must play during unfolding terror incidents.
- 1:57:40 – 2:06:40
Trump, Islamophobia, and Being Britain’s Most Visible Muslim
Khan and Bartlett discuss Donald Trump’s public attacks on him after London terror incidents and how Khan’s Muslim identity shapes media coverage, far-right hostility, and even terrorist manifestos. Khan argues his 2016 election victory, despite an Islamophobic campaign against him, sent a vital signal that London embraces diversity.
- 2:06:40 – 2:18:00
Threats, Online Hate and the Hidden Cost to Staff and Family
Bartlett presses Khan on the personal impact of constant racist abuse and death threats. Khan admits there have been times he feared for his safety, now has police protection, and is more concerned about the psychological toll on his family and City Hall staff who must process hate mail.
- 2:18:00 – 2:24:40
COVID, Mental Health and the Need for Social Contact
Khan recounts how the COVID lockdowns undermined his mental health, revealing how much he relies on being around people and playing sport. Only in hindsight did he recognise that stopping shaving, living in joggers, and losing his 'mojo' were signs he’d lost key routines that supported his 'mental fitness.'
- 2:24:40 – 2:38:30
Limits of Honesty, Political 'Game' and Labour’s Position
When asked where he has failed as mayor, Khan half-jokes he can’t answer honestly because opponents would weaponise it. The exchange opens a broader discussion about political inauthenticity, collective responsibility, Labour’s strategy under Keir Starmer, and the tension between rational policy detail and emotional campaigning.
- 2:38:30 – 2:50:40
Achievements, Net Zero 2030 and Future Priorities for London
Khan outlines what he’s most proud of—dramatically improved air quality, record affordable housing starts, and major transport projects—then sets out his priorities if re-elected: fairness, safety, green transition and prosperity. He defends ambitious net-zero targets and insists they are achievable with greater national support.
- 2:50:40 – 3:04:40
Regrets, Grief, and Advice to His Younger Self
In a more intimate close, Khan talks about his father’s death and unspoken words, regrets about time with family, and limited travel beyond London. Asked what advice he’d give his younger self, he says 'enjoy the experience,' noting that ambition often crowds out savouring life’s moments and sharing them with loved ones.
- 3:04:40
Closing Reflections on Role Models, Representation and Work Ethic
The episode ends with mutual appreciation: Bartlett reflects on why he admires Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders and sees similar public-service motivations in Khan. Khan in turn underscores the importance of role models like Bartlett for young, diverse Londoners and stresses that there should be 'many others like you' climbing the ladder, not just one.
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