Labour has urged Mayor Sadiq Khan to explore the potential sale of the London Stadium to West Ham United. Labour assembly member Bassam Mahfouz has written to the Mayor, advocating for the relief of London taxpayers from the reported £1.75bn burden associated with the existing deal between City Hall and the stadium.
The current long-term tenancy, agreed by former mayor Boris Johnson and ex-West Ham vice-chair Karren Brady, is said to cost taxpayers £19m per year. West Ham's rent has reportedly fallen to less than £3m per season following their relegation from the Premier League this summer.
Mahfouz, the assembly member for Ealing and Hillingdon, called for a full assessment of the stadium's long-term ownership options, including a potential sale. He stated that this assessment should consider financial benefits for taxpayers and protections to ensure the stadium can continue to host major athletics and sporting events. The Mayor's office has hinted at being open to discussions regarding a possible sale of the London Stadium.