Sadiq Khan's decision-making over a now-canned series of adverts on the London Underground has been labelled "disastrous" after public pressure following a GB News exposé forced the Advertising Standards Authority to step in to step in.
The ASA crackdown has seen the ad campaign by Islamic finance firm Wahed pulled from signs across the capital, despite Transport for London insisting the ads were in line with its policy late last year.
Khan had pledged to "have a look" at the ads after Conservative London Assembly member Susan Hall brought them to the Mayor's attention - but later appeared to abandon his promise.
But in light of their removal, the Mayor's City Hall opponents have voiced their incredulity that they were allowed in the first place.
"It was plainly obvious to anyone looking at it that those adverts were inappropriate," she told GB News.
"We knew it, the public knew it, and now the ASA have confirmed it.
"What is the point of TfL having an advertising policy that doesn't meet national standards? What are they doing?"
A TfL spokesman told GB News today that "all adverts are reviewed against TfL's policy, as well as the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) Code before being approved to run on the network."
While a spokeswoman for Sadiq Khan had said last year that TfL's policy on ads "reflects legal requirements".
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But Reform UK's London Assembly member Alex Wilson told GB News: "Whilst it is good news this advert has been removed, it once again brings into question the Mayor’s decision-making.
"Why was this poisonous sign ever allowed up in the first place?
"I'm very grateful for the pressure from GB News that's forced him into this U-turn.
"If only he would abandon his disastrous policy platform and make some U-turns in other areas, London would be a far better, safer city," Wilson jabbed. "London needs Reform."
The ASA ruled today that the posters "were likely to cause serious offence" through their depictions of banknotes on fire.
The body said all the ads showed the words "The United States of America" in flames, and would have been seen by many people - including tourists from the US.
The ASA said it had received 75 complaints that the ads were offensive.
A spokesman for Wahed said: "We understand that visuals like those included in our campaign can elicit strong reactions.
"While our intention was to spark thought and awareness, we recognise the importance of ensuring that messaging resonates positively with the diverse audiences that may consume them.
"We acknowledge and appreciate the ASA's feedback on the use of international currency."
TfL had paused all Wahed's campaigns pending the outcome of the ASA investigation - and has said it would apply the regulator's findings "when considering any future campaigns".
There are now no more ad campaigns for Wahed booked for the TfL estate.
A spokeswoman for the Mayor told GB News today: "The Mayor is clear that there is no place for hate in London and he strongly condemns any language which divides London's amazing diverse communities.
"The Mayor has no involvement in approving or deciding which ads run on the TfL network, and TfL's policy reflects legal requirements."
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The ASA crackdown has seen the ad campaign by Islamic finance firm Wahed pulled from signs across the capital, despite Transport for London insisting the ads were in line with its policy late last year.
Khan had pledged to "have a look" at the ads after Conservative London Assembly member Susan Hall brought them to the Mayor's attention - but later appeared to abandon his promise.
But in light of their removal, the Mayor's City Hall opponents have voiced their incredulity that they were allowed in the first place.
"It was plainly obvious to anyone looking at it that those adverts were inappropriate," she told GB News.
"We knew it, the public knew it, and now the ASA have confirmed it.
"What is the point of TfL having an advertising policy that doesn't meet national standards? What are they doing?"
A TfL spokesman told GB News today that "all adverts are reviewed against TfL's policy, as well as the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) Code before being approved to run on the network."
While a spokeswoman for Sadiq Khan had said last year that TfL's policy on ads "reflects legal requirements".
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But Reform UK's London Assembly member Alex Wilson told GB News: "Whilst it is good news this advert has been removed, it once again brings into question the Mayor’s decision-making.
"Why was this poisonous sign ever allowed up in the first place?
"I'm very grateful for the pressure from GB News that's forced him into this U-turn.
"If only he would abandon his disastrous policy platform and make some U-turns in other areas, London would be a far better, safer city," Wilson jabbed. "London needs Reform."
The ASA ruled today that the posters "were likely to cause serious offence" through their depictions of banknotes on fire.
The body said all the ads showed the words "The United States of America" in flames, and would have been seen by many people - including tourists from the US.
The ASA said it had received 75 complaints that the ads were offensive.
A spokesman for Wahed said: "We understand that visuals like those included in our campaign can elicit strong reactions.
"While our intention was to spark thought and awareness, we recognise the importance of ensuring that messaging resonates positively with the diverse audiences that may consume them.
"We acknowledge and appreciate the ASA's feedback on the use of international currency."
TfL had paused all Wahed's campaigns pending the outcome of the ASA investigation - and has said it would apply the regulator's findings "when considering any future campaigns".
There are now no more ad campaigns for Wahed booked for the TfL estate.
A spokeswoman for the Mayor told GB News today: "The Mayor is clear that there is no place for hate in London and he strongly condemns any language which divides London's amazing diverse communities.
"The Mayor has no involvement in approving or deciding which ads run on the TfL network, and TfL's policy reflects legal requirements."
Find Out More...