Sadiq Khan issues grovelling apology for suggesting Chief Rabbi's criticism of his Gaza ceasefire call was down to his Muslim-sounding name

Sadiq Khan has apologised for suggesting the Chief Rabbi's criticism of his call for a Gaza ceasefire was due to his Muslim-sounding name.

The London mayor revealed he had said sorry after venting his frustration during an interview about the backlash he faced.

Speaking to journalist Mehdi Hasan earlier this week, Mr Khan had argued that there had been no equivalent response when Manchester mayor Andy Burnham called for an immediate ceasefire. 

Mr Khan said: 'What motivated them to come out in the way they did against the Mayor of London, and the Mayor of Greater Manchester – I'll give you a clue, he's not called Ahmed Bourani, he's called Andy Burnham, whereas I'm called Sadiq Khan.'

After the issue was raised in the Jewish News today, Mr Khan posted on social media: 'The Chief Rabbi, along with other Jewish leaders, has been a friend to me, and we have worked hard together to unite our city and celebrate our diversity. 

'I have been in contact with the Chief Rabbi to apologise for my comments.' 

In a statement to the Jewish News, the mayor added: 'At times it is clear to me, and others, that as a mayor of London of Islamic faith, I am held to a different standard and that can be frustrating – particularly during a divisive election campaign.

'But, it wasn't fair of me to have levelled that frustration at the Chief Rabbi. I am sorry for any hurt this has caused and will continue working with Jewish leaders to build a safer London for everyone.'

The row has erupted less than a week before elections where Mr Khan is seeking a third term in City Hall.

The conflict in Gaza has been a huge issue in London since Israel launched its response to the bloody October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas.

Pro-Palestinian protests have been taking place weekly, with heavy criticism of the Metropolitan Police's handling.

Mr Khan has backed the force's commissioner Sir Mark Rowley despite a furious row this week over an officer preventing a man crossing the road during a demo because he was 'openly Jewish' and might inflame tensions. Sir Mark has defended his officer, saying he was trying to keep the peace.   

Although polls have shown Mr Khan well ahead in the mayoral contest, it appears his lead is being trimmed.

Savanta research found that the Labour incumbent is 13 points ahead of Tory rival Susan Hall - the smallest gap yet.

The results will set nerves jangling in City Hall with just a week to go until the election.

A separate YouGov survey last week suggested that Mr Khan's advantage had dropped by six points since February, albeit he was still 19 points ahead. 

Dr Elizabeth Simon of Queen Mary University of London, which commissioned the latest poll, said: 'Looking at the geography of London mayoral vote intention paints an interesting picture.

'In our poll, we find that Mr Khan leads Ms Hall by a commanding margin in the boroughs in the North and East of the capital. His lead is 19 percentage points among those living in North London, and 17 percentage points among those living in East London.

'While the race appears to be much tighter in boroughs to the South and West of the capital, with Mr Khan leading by just eight percentage points among those living in South and West London.

'These South and West London boroughs can be seen as key 'battlegrounds' in the final lead-up to the mayoral contest.'

The Savanta research, conducted between April 8 and 17, put Liberal Democrat Rob Blackie on 9 per cent, Green candidate Zoe Garbett on 7 per cent, and Reform UK's Howard Cox on 2 per cent.

The contest on May 2 is being conducted under the first past the post system for the first time, meaning Mr Khan cannot rely on second preferences from other parties.

Mr Khan was berated over his record on policing and ULEZ during a bad-tempered debate earlier this week.