Sadiq Khan has been slammed for giving London’s “night tsar” a huge pay rise, despite the “desperate state” of London’s nightlife.

Susan Hall, the Conservative candidate for City Hall, slammed the mayor for reappointing Amy Lame in the role, which carries the responsibility of helping London thrive as a 24-hour city and protecting nightclubs and bars in the capital.

Hall, who was beaten by Khan in the mayoral elections two weeks ago, slammed Lame’s salary 4.5 per cent increase, which will see her take home £132,000 a year.

“I am absolutely astonished that despite the desperate state of London’s nightlife, Sadiq Khan has not only reappointed Amy Lamé, but rewarded her with a substantial pay rise,” Hall said.

“Every Londoner has their own experience of Amy Lamé’s appalling handiwork, leading to #LameLondon trending across social media.

“Over 1000 pubs and clubs have closed in London in the last three years. These venues desperately need the Mayor’s support and a Night Tsar who will actually do something to help London’s nightlife thrive.”

Recent data published by the Night Time Industries Association shows that between March 2020 and December 2023, a total of 3,011 clubs and bars closed in London and its surrounding boroughs.

Michael Kill, the trade body’s chief executive, said the statistics “reflect the crisis gripping our sector”.

More to follow...