Effigy of Mayor Sadiq Khan to be burnt for bonfire night

Locals in Edenbridge voted for Khan for their bonfire “celebrity guy” following their disapproval of the Mayor’s ULEZ expansion.

As one resident of the town shared they were unhappy that the Mayor would bring the ULEZ “to the doorstep of the residents and businesses of Edenbridge.”

Standing at 11 metres tall, the effigy was unveiled Wednesday, November 1 before being moved to become the centrepiece at the town’s annual bonfire celebrations.

Giant effigy of London Mayor Sadiq Khan to be burnt for Bonfire Night

The event on Saturday 4 November raises thousands of pounds for local charities.

The effigy takes aim at the ULEZ. (Image: SWNS)

Edenbridge Bonfire Society announced: “The wait is over – we can reveal that our celebrity guy for 2023 is Sadiq Khan in the form of a ULEZ camera.”

Andrea Deans, who created the giant effigy on behalf of Edenbridge Bonfire Society, commented: “As a society we had hoped to move away from political figures this year but it was the public who had their say on who we should do.

“Mr Khan received more than 52% of the public vote and it was due to his decision to extend ULEZ close to the borders of our town that we felt we had to go along with the majority vote.

“Other contenders for our 2023 event included Suella Braverman, Russell Brand, Phillip Schofield and even Harry & Meghan.’’

Edenbridge Bonfire Society has been poking fun at infamous celebrities for over 25 years.

Andrea Deans, the artist behind the effigy. (Image: SWNS)

Past targets for the celebrity effigy have included Liz Truss, Boris Johnson, Harvey Weinstein, Donald Trump, Katie Hopkins, Russell Brand, Jonathan Ross, Katie Price, Lance Armstrong and Anne Robinson.

Discussing their reasoning behind Mayor Khan, Edenbridge Bonfire Society Chairman, Bill Cummings, said “This year we have chosen Sadiq Khan whose decision to extend the Ultra Low Emission Zone has affected many people living and working in our town.

“Unlike those living inside the new extended zone, there is no support for people who live outside it but whose livelihoods and commitments have been greatly affected by this decision.

“Sadiq Khan may not be as well-known as other celebrity guys we have had in the past but I am sure there will be many people in towns such as ours celebrating our choice.”

The Mayor Of London’s office declined to comment on the town’s effigy.