Labour mayoral rivals from the 2012 contest Ken Livingstone and Oona King joined forces on Monday to back Sadiq Khan in the race for City Hall who announced his candidacy last Wednesday.
The Tooting MP criticised Boris Johnson for being a “red carpet mayor”.
Speaking to the Evening Standard Mr Khan said: “For the last eight years you’ve seen a red carpet mayor, somebody who is fantastic going to openings, great with a flute of champagne in his hands. I’d rather roll up my sleeves and fight for all Londoners.”
Mr Khan has become the fifth Labour candidate to put his name forward to replace Mr Johnson in City Hall, following Tessa Jowell, David Lammy, Diane Abbott and Christian Wolmar.
So far, only one Conservative candidate – Ivan Massow – has confirmed their intention to run.
Mr Khan, who grew up in his south London constituency, spearheaded Labour's election drive in London, where the party won 45 of the 73 seats at the recent election.
