London Mayor Sadiq Khan Slammed Over Grooming Gang Cover-Up
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is under fire after reports revealed he personally read official documents exposing grooming gang abuse in the capital — yet publicly denied such gangs even existed.
Shocking Horror Hidden in Police Reports
The Daily Express and MyLondon unearthed chilling evidence naming at least six victims, some as young as 13, in four police watchdog reports spanning 2016 to 2025. Despite this, Khan stayed silent and dismissed the claims.
- 15-year-old girl raped by multiple men after going missing
- 17-year-old plied with alcohol and assaulted in London hotels
- 13-year-old drugged and threatened by organised gangs
- Other girls targeted in coordinated sexual abuse across London
The abuse took place openly in London hotels, with victims trafficked, drugged, and terrorised by ruthless gangs.
Khan’s Denials Spark Furious Backlash
Despite overwhelming evidence, Khan has repeatedly claimed grooming gangs like those in Rochdale and Rotherham don’t operate in London.
“There is no indication such gangs operate here,” Khan declared during a heated City Hall debate.
When pressed, he dodged questions and challenged critics to “define what they mean” rather than addressing the serious accusations.
Met Police U-Turn on Grooming Gangs
Following the exposé, Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley admitted the force is investigating multiple ongoing child sexual exploitation cases tied to gangs. He also revealed a huge backlog of cases awaiting review — contradicting years of denials by Khan and Scotland Yard.
Whistleblowers Accuse London of Cover-Up
Former Greater Manchester detective Maggie Oliver, who exposed the Rochdale scandal, warned London is following the “same damning pattern” of abuse and silence:
“I have no doubt there’s a similar pattern of abuse in London. The Met is the last bastion covering this up.”
Care worker Chris Wild called the revelations “the tip of the iceberg,” adding abuse “happens all over London,” and slammed Khan’s denials as “shocking.”
Politicians Demand Khan’s Resignation
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp accused Khan of “facilitating a cover-up.”
“It’s shameful for the Mayor to deny grooming gangs operate in London when reports prove otherwise,” he said.
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson echoed calls for justice, warning against repeating the mistakes of towns that ignored abuse.
Khan’s Office Defends but Dodges Key Questions
Khan’s team touted his £15.6 million Violence and Exploitation Support Service and insisted child safety is a “top priority.” Yet, they failed to explain why Khan publicly dismissed grooming gang evidence.
Historic Failures Laid Bare
- Operation Grandbye led to arrests but no charges, echoing past bungled probes.
- Ex-Met detective Jon Wedger detailed “industrial scale” trafficking but said his investigations were blocked.
- Veteran cop Bernadette Murray accused the Met of misleading Khan and bungling grooming data.
Inquiry Blocked Amid Fierce Political Rows
In February 2025, a proposed £4.49 million independent inquiry into London grooming gangs was rejected by a coalition supporting Khan. Critics argued it would duplicate national investigations and fuel racial tensions — a missed chance for transparency.
London Hotels Slammed as Grooming Hotspots
Reports show hotels were crime scenes where abuse was allowed to flourish, sparking urgent calls for better staff training and safeguarding measures.
Is London Repeating Past Mistakes of Rotherham and Rochdale?
The scandal echoes horrific past failures where authorities ignored grooming until whistleblowers forced action — leaving thousands of children in peril.
With a national grooming gang review underway and rising calls for Khan’s resignation, London faces a stark choice: tackle this epidemic head-on or keep burying it in plain sight.
