Sadiq Khan is facing intense backlash over a decision to allocate half a million pounds of public funds to a rewilding initiative for rare birds.

The controversial spending centres on introducing white storks to the east London borough of Dagenham – one of the capital’s most deprived areas.

Susan Hall, who leads the Conservative Party in London, has condemned the spending as “utterly ridiculous”.

She argues the Metropolitan Police, which she says is £260million underfunded, should be the priority instead.

The funds derive from the London Mayor’s Green Roots Fund, a £3.84million pot intended to improve nature access throughout the capital.

The rewilding programme also includes beaver reintroductions in various London locations.

Ms Hall insists Sir Sadiq must “get his priorities right” as police resources remain stretched.

However, the Mayor has defended the initiative, framing it as a matter of fairness for urban communities.

Sir Sadiq described the rewilding effort as delivering benefits to ordinary Londoners.

“Access to nature is an issue of social justice, and it can’t just be those who live in the countryside who get to share their home with our amazing wild creatures,” he said.

“We are proud to be supporting some fantastic projects through my Green Roots Fund, including the historic reintroduction of white storks and beavers to East London.”

The white stork population was eradicated in Britain during the 1400s due to hunting for food.

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Sir Sadiq’s scheme marks one of only two reintroduction attempts across the country, the other being located at the Knepp Estate in Suffolk.

Even those who champion conservation have expressed doubts about the allocation of public money to the scheme.

One London-based conservationist questioned whether anyone in Barking and Dagenham had requested such a project.

“Sir Sadiq Khan says Londoners should look to the skies. In Barking and Dagenham, most people I know are looking at their bills,” the conservationist said.

“Like a lot of people, I’m just asking: who on earth in Barking and Dagenham asked for this?”

They continued: “People are worried about rent, food, crime, mould in their flats and buses that don’t turn up.

“They are not sitting at home thinking, ‘Do you know what we really need? Imported storks’.”

Ms Hall echoed the comments, suggesting residents would prefer additional police presence.

She said: “If you ask most Londoners, do they want to feel safer with extra police on bobbies on the beat or storks? I know what the answer would be: ‘Keep us safe’.”

The controversy comes as Transport for London prepares to implement a 5.8 per cent increase in fares across the Underground, Overground and Elizabeth Line from March, a rise that exceeds inflation by one per cent.

Ms Hall went on to accuse the London Mayor of mishandling taxpayer funds while ordinary Londoners struggle with the cost of living.

“It’s almost like a slap in the face to young people that can’t afford to live here, can’t afford the fares, rent, food can’t afford so many things,” she told The Sun.

Average rental costs in the capital stand at £2,265 monthly, according to Office for National Statistics figures from October.

London’s crime rate sits at 81 offences per thousand residents, with violence and sexual offences being most prevalent.

Ms Hall continued: “He’s an utter disgrace. He really is. He lives in his ivory tower. He’s ferried around by four armed officers.

“And I think he’s losing all touch of reality, quite frankly. The sort of reality you and I live, that’s for sure. He’s so out of touch with normal people.”

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