Simon Hughes MP, London mayoral candidate, says that London needs a Mayor of Faith that will represent the views of the religious community. At a Faithworks event held last Sunday, the Christian Liberal Democrat MP spoke out in front of over 250 representatives of churches in London who gathered to question the MP at Christchurch and Upton chapel.

During this time, he vowed to set up a ‘faith forum’ which would be used to feed the views of the faith groups if he was elected as mayor. When asked of the benefits of having a Christian mayor he said, ”many people in London believe it is important to be led by someone of faith. Someone who shares the values held by many people of faith, someone who they can speak to and represent them better than a mayor of no faith can”.

In an on-stage interview with Steve Chalk, Faithworks founding director, Simon Hughes MP praised the work of Faithworks and of the churches in London and said, ”Churches are a powerful force for social transformation in London, giving so much more selfless commitment than the government ever can. The fact is London needs its churches”.

He also quoted a verse from the bible about the parable of the sheep and goats as his favourite passage from the bible to emphasise the importance of his faith as the backbone of his political decision-making. He said, “There hasn’t been one big political decision where I haven’t prayed and tried to apply Christian principles."

The Faithworks Movement encourages churches to become involved in political processes, and in decision-making that affects their local area. It does not, however, endorse any candidate for the London mayoral elections.