*** ----> Balloon of mayor Khan in bikini flies over London | THE DAILY TRIBUNE | KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN

Balloon of mayor Khan in bikini flies over London

Critics of London Mayor Sadiq Khan yesterday launched a big balloon caricaturing him in a yellow bikini “in retaliation” for the “Baby Trump” blimp he let fly over Westminster in July.

The stunt was staged by Yanny Bruere, who describes himself as a free speech advocate, and funded through nearly £60,000 ($78,000, 67,000 euros) in donations on a crowd funding website. It follows activists flying a giant balloon depicting US President Donald Trump as an orange nappy-clad baby during demonstrations on July 13 against his visit to Britain.

To the fury of Trump supporters, Khan authorised the flying of the caricature, arguing Londoners had a right to peaceful protest. Bruere, 28, from Northampton, a town 65 miles north of London, confirmed yesterday’s launch was to hit back at the mayor.

“I think a certain amount of respect should be afforded to the leader of the free world and the greatest ally the UK has -- the president of America,” he said.