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British centrists die of hypocrisy as they rush to congratulate Mamdani

Democrats took sweeping wins in yesterday’s US election, the first such ‘off-year’ polling of Trump’s second term. Democrat nominee Zohran Mamdani, a self-described democratic socialist, became New York’s first Muslim mayor.

Likewise, in Virginia and New Jersey, Democrats Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill won their elections as state governors by impressive margins. Meanwhile, in California, voters chose in favour of redrawing districts, which also works in the Dems’ favour.

Insofar as these off-season elections act as a bellwether for the president’s term in office, America has issued a resounding fuck-you to the fascist-in-chief. Trump, for his part, posted an ominous “…AND SO IT BEGINS!” in reaction to the Democrat sweep.

Being left wing is trending thank to Mamdani?

Meanwhile, across the pond, centrist politicians have been embarrassing themselves with their reactions to (gasp) a socialist win. Bridget Phillipson genuinely tried to pretend she didn’t know about Mamdani:

Whichever adviser briefed Labour politicians not to say shit before consulting an opinion poll needs bloody sacking. Playing clueless doesn’t make seem a relatable middle ground, pal. You look like a soulless void where opinions go to die.

Speaking of which:

‘Boldness and progressive politics are trending, maybe we could do some of that?’ Maybe start by reconsidering the Labour Friends of Israel membership, buddy.

However, the prize for the most two-faced centrist reaction by far goes to Wes Streeting:

My dude, are you including yourself in among “progressives the world over”? Genuinely, and without dying of hypocrisy? Mamdani has been a consistent ally to trans people, co-sponsoring the US Gender Recognition act. He also fought to repeal New York’s ‘Walking While Trans’ law, and helped instate a shield law to protect gender-affirming care.

Streeting, for contrast, has genuinely proposed segregating trans people. Streeting, you are not a progressive. You’re barely even a centrist – you’re a fucking shy Tory in a red tie. Of course, the health secretary’s hypocrisy wasn’t lost on his former allies on the left:

Meanwhile, the congrats from Labour’s Dawn Butler were a lot easier to believe:

Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, also considered Mamdani’s election as New York mayor a victory for mayors everywhere:

Likewise, fellow Muslim mayor of his country’s first city Sadiq Khan also offered his heartfelt congratulations:

Congrats from Britain’s actual left

Meanwhile, the congrats came thick and fast from Britain’s left-wing MPs that are actually, you know, left wing. Speaking of, you know Zarah Sultana mentioned that Labour would have kicked Mamdani out:

Enfield Independant and Your Party affiliate Khalid Sadur pointed out the triumph of leftist policies over centrism (bye Cuomo, don’t let the door hit you):

…And he also took the opportunity to highlight council by-election wins closer to home:

Obviously Corbyn also got in on giving his well-wishes. The Your-Party co-leader previously caught flak for offering his support to Mamdani. Corbyn has previously complained about Trump’s meddling in overseas elections (hint: the difference is that one of them is a fascist billionaire):

And, last but not least, Green leader Zack Polanski was positively glowing at the news of Mamdani’s win:

What Trump is so clearly scared of, and what Mamdani’s victory has proven, is that left-wing, people-focused policies really can win elections. What Labour MPs and their ilk need to realise is that this needs to be combined with genuinely meaning what you say – not just parroting whatever talking point is currently doing well in the polls.

Moreso than that, Mamdani has demonstrated that the left can win without an appeal to the tepid, milquetoast center. Now, it we must see him follow through on those policies to the very best of his ability.

And, while we’re at it, congrats to the new New York mayor from us here at the Canary too!

Featured image via the Canary

By Alex/Rose Cocker

This post was originally published on Canary.