New York's shift to the Left another headache for Keir...

THE spectacular victory of Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani in New York's mayoral election is yet another reason for Sir Keir Starmer to worry.

- BY DAVID WILLIAMSON Chief Political Commentator

New Yorkers jumped at the chance to vote for a charismatic politician who pledged to make life more affordable by taxing the rich.

They put their faith in a 34-year-old who promised to deliver change in an era when the divide between the rich and the rest has opened into a chasm.

Americans can expect years of fiery clashes between the Ugandan-born mayor and US President Donald Trump, who has called him “a Communist”.

Left-winger Mr Mamdani helped drive the highest election turnout in years with pledges to introduce free buses, free childcare and help with the cost of living.

His win will boost the morale of Democrats who fear for the future of the US under Mr Trump but it will also push the party of Bill Clinton and Barack Obama further Left.

It will also make waves far beyond Manhattan here in the UK, emboldening Left-wingers seeking much more radical policies than those devised by Sir Keir and Chancellor Rachel Reeves.