Khan to attend property conference amid growth push

Sir Sadiq Khan is attending the major property event as Labour seeks to push for economic growth

London's mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is to go to Europe's biggest property conference this year for the first time.

In a move seen as reflecting the central importance of the Labour government's growth agenda, he will attend MIPIM in March.

The event - held over four days in Cannes on the French Riviera - is an opportunity to meet international developers and property moguls interested in investing in the capital.

Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson both attended as mayor, seeing it as an opportunity to bang the drum for London, but in eight years Sir Sadiq had chosen not to go.

With London experiencing an acute shortage of affordable homes, it will be an opportunity for the mayor to meet developers and investors who could help.

Last year deputy mayor Jules Pipe represented City Hall while then Barking and Dagenham Council leader Darren Rodwell and City Corporation leader Chris Hayward led a delegation promoting the capital under the banner "Opportunity London".

One of those previously involved in the London campaign, who asked not to be named, said it had been disappointing that Sir Sadiq had not attended before.

"He has not felt comfortable meeting developers so far but it seems he now recognises the importance of this event, and that is a good thing," they said.

A third Heathrow Airport runway is understood to be announced this week - a move opposed by the mayor

Sir Keir Starmer has placed growth at the heart of his government's plans, putting pressure on mayors and council leaders to come up with ideas for boosting their local economies.

London's deputy mayor for business Howard Dawber is finishing off the capital's new "growth strategy" which is due to be launched at the end of next month.

There are strong indications that the government will on Wednesday revive plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport, as a clear signal of its dash for growth.

Sir Sadiq has previously opposed expansion and said his position had not changed.

He said he had been guided by the previous verdict of the independent Climate Change Committee that a third runway would conflict with net zero obligations and carbon emission targets.

It is understood the mayor's schedule at MIPIM has not been finalised but is likely to include at least one set-piece speech at the main London stand.