I’m truly humbled to have been re-elected as the Mayor of London and I want to thank all those who turned out last Thursday and placed their trust in me. 

I promise that I’ll do my utmost to deliver for London and that I’ll always be a Mayor for all Londoners – working tirelessly to build a better and brighter future for everyone in our city, regardless of whether you voted for me or not. 

There’s no doubt London has faced a perfect storm. Our economy has been hit hard by Covid-19, with more than 300,000 Londoners having already lost their jobs and many more worried about their livelihoods. 

The restrictions on working in offices and the absence of international tourists are placing immense pressure on our businesses, particularly those in central London where footfall has plummeted.

And yet, despite the enormity of the challenges ahead, I’m confident that London can overcome them. Of course, it won’t be easy. But if we summon the same strength, spirit and sense of common purpose that’s seen us through this last year, then I truly believe we can restore London’s incredible buzz and we can get our city back up on its feet and moving in the right direction. 

Whatever we do, we must never lose sight of the fact that London remains one of the most exciting, diverse, dynamic, fast-paced and forward-thinking cities on earth. We are a beacon for inclusion. A global hub for innovation. And a creative hotbed that’s overflowing with energy, ideas and imagination. 

The simple truth is we have the talent, the outlook, the ambition and the resolve to not only navigate our way through this economic crisis, but to fashion a new, fairer, greener and more prosperous London.

Focused on providing immediate and vital support to our world-famous cultural, nightlife, retail and hospitality businesses, ‘Let’s Do London’ will seek to tempt domestic visitors – and Londoners – back into the heart of our city

As Mayor, I’m firmly committed to leading from the front when it comes to coordinating and driving our recovery. I’m making jobs a top priority for my second term, with my administration determined to do everything in its power not only to protect employment, but to create the new and well-paid jobs that give families the security they need. 

This means banging the drum for London to attract jobs, tourism and investment to our city. And it means backing our businesses – large and small. 

To that end, yesterday I joined together with representatives from business at Shakespeare’s Globe to launch the biggest domestic tourism campaign our city has ever seen. 

Focused on providing immediate and vital support to our world-famous cultural, nightlife, retail and hospitality businesses, ‘Let’s Do London’ will seek to tempt domestic visitors – and Londoners – back into the heart of our city. 

Backed up with £6million of funding from City Hall, in addition to a further £1million from our amazing partners in the cultural and creative industries, it will be central not only to our efforts to aid London’s struggling venues and safeguard jobs, but to kick starting our economic recovery in a safe and sustainable manner as Covid-19 restrictions are eased.

With an exciting programme of one-off special events created in partnership with some of London’s best-known cultural institutions and tourism attractions, the campaign will promote London as the perfect place to book a day trip, overnight stay or mini break. And it will all kick off later this month with our fantastic chefs, restaurants and hospitality venues coming together to champion London’s world class cuisine.

The campaign will also feature new outdoor film screenings and public art installations, late-night openings of museums, galleries, cultural and grassroots music venues, and the return of major creative festivals, such as London Fashion Week and the London Film Festival – all taking place this year alongside UEFA Euro 2020. 

There’s no doubt that we face a long road ahead as we seek to recover from this crisis. But from my first day back at the office, as Mayor, I’m rolling up my sleeves and doing everything I can to get our economy firing on all cylinders again. 

This new campaign will remind everyone what makes our city so special and it will be key to creating jobs, boosting businesses and helping our city come roaring back to life after the pandemic. So this summer, Let’s Do London.  

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