Newly elected Mayor of London Sadiq Khan will give the keynote speech at this year’s Irish Post Awards. Khan has become a huge media and political figure since his election and his decision to attend the Irish Post awards is considered a great coup for the newspaper.

His decision contrasts greatly with that of his predecessor Boris Johnson who mostly shunned the Irish community. The awards are hosted by renowned TV presenter and broadcaster Eamonn Holmes this year’s Awards take place in the capital on Friday, November 25.

The Labour mayor has previously spoken of his immense respect for the Irish community in Britain. Khan, a 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.”

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

Following last year’s event The Irish Post is once again delighted to be honoring 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 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 honored.

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.”