As Sir Sadiq Khan marks ten years as Mayor of London, a milestone that coincides with South Asian Heritage Month, a striking new portrait unveiled at City Hall is drawing attention not only for its artistic style but for the story it tells.
Created by final-year Arts University Bournemouth student Tia Mirza, the portrait captures Khan against the backdrop of a classic London bus painted in the colours of the Union Jack: a powerful reference to his roots as the son of a London bus driver and his journey from a council estate in Tooting to becoming the first Muslim Mayor of a major Western capital.
The artwork was officially unveiled at City Hall on 16 July, celebrating a decade in office that has seen Khan become one of Britain’s most recognisable political figures and one of the highest-profile Muslim politicians in the Western world.
Throughout his political career, Khan has frequently spoken about the opportunities London gave him as the child of immigrants. Born to Pakistani parents and raised on a council estate in south London, he went on to become a human rights lawyer, Member of Parliament and, in 2016, Mayor of London.
The portrait reflects themes of identity, belonging and social mobility that have defined much of Khan’s public life.
Sir Sadiq said: “It is a huge honour to be painted by London artist Tia Mirza. It marks a significant milestone as I reflect on ten years as Mayor of London. To mark this moment during South Asian Heritage Month makes it extra special, as we celebrate the major contribution South Asian communities make to our incredible city.”
Rather than placing the Mayor in a traditional political setting, Mirza chose to portray him on the side of a London bus, reflecting his upbringing as a son of London bus driver.
Presenting the artwork to the Mayor, she said: “Rather than depicting you in a traditional political setting, I chose to paint your portrait on the side of a London bus, inspired by your personal connection through your father’s work as a London bus driver and how much you’ve done for London transport.
“Sharing a British Asian background, I was also inspired by your views on identity and belonging.”
The portrait formed part of Mirza’s final-year BA (Hons) Fine Art project. As part of her research, she attended a photography sitting with the Mayor at City Hall in October 2025, allowing her to capture the expression that became the centrepiece of the finished painting.
The unveiling was attended by Mirza’s family and representatives from Arts University Bournemouth, where the artwork was first displayed as part of the university’s Summer Shows before being transported to London.
For many Londoners, the portrait represents more than an artistic achievement. It reflects the story of a city where the son of a bus driver can rise to lead one of the world’s most influential capitals.
As London celebrates South Asian Heritage Month, the painting serves as a reminder of the diverse communities that continue to shape the capital’s identity and public life from the neighbourhoods of south London to the offices of City Hall.
