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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to give the keynote speech at the 2016 Irish Post Awards

NEWLY-ELECTED Mayor of London Sadiq Khan will give the keynote speech at this year’s Irish Post Awards.

Mr Khan has become a huge media and political figure since his election in May. His decision to attend The Irish Post Awards contrasts greatly with that of his predecessor Boris Johnson who mostly shunned the Irish community.

The annual awards ceremony is hosted by renowned TV presenter and broadcaster Eamonn Holmes and this year’s ceremony takes place in the capital on Friday, November 25.

Labour mayor Sadiq Khan has previously spoken of his immense respect for the Irish community in Britain.

The former Labour MP for Tooting, who has also held positions including Minister of State for Transport, previously said he hopes to build closer links between Britain and Ireland during his time as Mayor.

“I want to build stronger links with Dublin and Belfast and showcase the innovation of London’s Irish community,” he told The Irish Post in May.

“I’ve met so many Irish entrepreneurs across London, and I want to celebrate their creativity.”

Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Mara Lane The Irish Post Awards 2014 and Business Gala Dinner held at the London Hilton, Park Lane on Thursday, October 23rd 2014. Award-winners: Actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Football legend Liam Brady, Designer Louise Kennedy, Sean Mulryan, Sir David McMurtry, Michael Forde Guests included: Michael Flatley, Eamonn Holmes, Mara Lane, Paul Costelloe, David Forde, Liam O’Neill, Niall O’Dowd, Dr Leah Totton, Charlotte Jaconelli. Celebrities, stars and business personalities were honoured at this year’s Irish Post Awards which took place on Thursday, October 23rd. The Irish Post Awards 2014 and Business Gala Dinner celebrated the success of six individuals across a variety of industries. This year’s Awards were attended by 700 guests. Hosted by broadcaster Eamon Holmes, the black tie event honoured a number of exceptional people including actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who received this year’s Legend award for his contribution to the film and entertainment industry. Also honoured on the night with an award for Outstanding Contribution to Business in Britain was Sean Mulryan, Chairman and Group Managing Director of Ballymore – an international property investment and development company. This year’s Technology Award, a new addition to The Irish Post’s series of accolades, went to Sir David McMurtry, Chairman of Renishaw Plc. Designer Louise Kennedy, who celebrated 30 years in business in 2013, picked up a special award for Company of the Year. The Outstanding Sports Personality Award went to Ireland and Arsenal footballing legend Liam Brady. A special Community Award was also given out on the night to Michael Forde, Chairman of the Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester. Owner and Publisher of The Irish Post, Mr Elgin Loane, said: “2014 has been a truly historic year for the Irish in Britain; from the ever strengthening economic and trade relations to the significant first ever state visit of President Higgins in April. It is with all this in mind that we are more excited than ever about this year’s Irish Post Awards ceremony. The Irish Post is delighted to once again have the opportunity to recognise and honour the achievements of a group of remarkable people in the Irish community spanning the fields of entertainment, technology, property, sport, design and community. Each of our recipients shares a resolute desire to succeed along with an enterprising spirit and a passion for Ireland and this is embodied in our award categories.” Two charities will benefit from this year’s Awards night, with proceeds from the night’s exclusive raffle going to Barretstown and Mind Yourself

Award-winner actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers pictured with Michael Flatley and host Eamonn Holmes at the 2014 Irish Post Awards. Picture: Malcolm McNally

This November over a thousand guests are expected to descend on The Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel for a spectacular black tie Awards evening celebrating the success of the Irish in Britain.

Following last year’s event The Irish Post is once again delighted to be honouring the achievements of a group of remarkable people in the Irish community spanning the fields of entertainment, music, sport, technology, construction, business and more.

Read more: London’s new Mayor Sadiq Khan praises the Irish community

“Each of our recipients share a resolute desire to succeed along with an enterprising spirit and a passion for Ireland and this is embodied in our Award categories,” said Irish Post owner and publisher Elgin Loane.

“We look forward to seeing you all on the evening to celebrate the outstanding achievements and success of the many Irish in Britain.”

Recent award-winners have included property chiefs Sean Mulryan and the Comer brothers, with personalities such as Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley, pop impresario Louis Walsh as well as actors Fionuala Flanagan and Jonathan Rhys Meyers also being honoured.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 05: Labour Party Mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan and his wife Saadiya pose outside The Richardson Hall St Alban's Church Centre in Streatham after casting their votes in London's Mayoral and Assembly elections on May 5, 2016 in London, England. This is the fifth mayoral election since the position was created in 2000. Previous London Mayors are Ken Livingstone for Labour and more recently Boris Johnson for the Conservatives. The main candidates for 2016 are Sadiq Khan, Labour, Zac Goldsmith , Conservative, Sian Berry, Green, Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat, George Galloway, Respect, Peter Whittle, UKIP and Sophie Walker, Woman's Equality Party. Results will be declared on Friday 6th May. (Photo by Mary Turner/Getty Images)

Newly-elected Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and his wife Saadiya pictured on polling day in May. Picture: Mary Turner/Getty Images

Mr Khan, who was born in London to parents who came to Britain in the 1960s from Pakistan, praised the Irish and their contribution to British society.

“We owe so much to the Irish people who have come to London, worked hard, raised families and are at the heart of what makes our diverse city so great,” the former human rights lawyer said.

“I grew up on a council estate, where my parents had stable rents and could work hard to secure a decent start in life for me and my siblings. Just like London’s Irish community, I believe in a strong work ethic.”