Sadiq Khan: Mayor of London tops list of most influential in capital amid criticism over Fabric closure

Mr Khan tops list of innovators and those driving progress but faces accusations of not living up to his pledge to protect London’s nightlife

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was elected in May (PA Images)

Sadiq Khan has been crowned the most influential person in London, four months after winning the Mayoral contest in the capital.

Mr Khan said being named the number one Londoner for innovation and driving progess in the capital by the Evening Standard was “a huge honour and a privilege” a day after he also won GQ's politican of the year award.

Mr Khan was announced as top of the list for his “forward-thinking focus on policies such as improving air quality, building more affordable homes and [for] getting the best out of Brexit”.

Jeremy Corbyn came in at 25 on the list, just after the actress Joanna Lumley. The Prime Minister Theresa May arrived in second place, with Mo Farah and Adele also making the top 10.

But Mr Khan's awards come as he faces mounting criticism over the closure of Fabric, one of London's most famous clubs, despite his pledge to protect the capital's nightlife.

Mr Khan said he was “disappointed” after the Farringdon venue's licence was revoked in the early hours of Wednesday. Islington Council found it had a “culture of drug use” which staff were “incapable of controlling”.

“As a result of this decision, thousands of people who enjoyed going to Fabric as an essential part of London's nightlife will lose out," he said after the decision was announced.

“The issues faced by Fabric point to a wider problem of how we protect London's night-time economy, while ensuring it is safe and enjoyable for everyone.”

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In a statement, the club said: “Fabric is extremely disappointed with Islington Council's decision to revoke our license.

“This is an especially sad day for those who have supported us, particularly the 250 staff who will now lose their jobs.

“Closing Fabric is not the answer to the drug-related problems clubs like ours are working to prevent, and sets a troubling precedent for the future of London's night-time economy.”