Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has granted a peerage to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, just days before stepping down. The move could pave the way for Khan, one of Labour's most prominent regional leaders, to join Andy Burnham's cabinet in the future.
Long-anticipated appointment
Khan has long been tipped for a seat in the House of Lords. Starmer was reportedly keen to elevate him immediately after the May local elections to shore up Labour's progressive flank. However, sources close to Khan indicate he has told the prime minister-in-waiting that he has no desire to serve as a minister in Burnham's government. The mayor remains focused on the final two years of his term and has yet to announce whether he will seek a fourth term in 2028.
Khan is among 26 new peers announced by Starmer on Thursday. This brings the total number of peers appointed by Starmer since taking office two years ago to 66, a move likely to draw criticism. Supporters argue Starmer is rebalancing the House of Lords, which has been Conservative-dominated for years and has repeatedly attempted to block Labour legislation.
Timing and context
Downing Street sources suggested Khan's elevation was part of a regular honours list, not directly linked to Starmer's departure. However, the timing is unusual, as peerages are typically tied to political events and announced in spring or autumn. Starmer signalled last week he might issue resignation honours upon leaving Downing Street, despite pledging three years ago not to do so. As opposition leader, he criticised Boris Johnson for handing out peerages to allies, calling it unjustifiable given the circumstances of Johnson's departure.
Khan is one of 16 new political appointments by Starmer. Other appointments include Christina McAnea, former general secretary of Unison, and June Sarpong, broadcaster and charity campaigner. Former cabinet secretary Chris Wormald and retired judge Brian Leveson will become crossbenchers. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey made five nominations, and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch made three, including businessman David Ross, who donated £10,000 to her leadership campaign.
Reform UK was not given any peerages. Party leader Nigel Farage accused the House of Lords of being "the uniparty writ large."
Khan's career and impact
Khan spent a decade as a London MP before stepping down in 2016 to run for mayor. He won three consecutive elections, becoming the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital. He has led London through the Covid pandemic, terrorist attacks, and the climate emergency, and has been a frequent target of US President Donald Trump. Khan received a knighthood last year.
He is not the first regional mayor to combine their role with a peerage. Ben Houchen was made a peer in 2023 while serving as Tees Valley mayor, later winning a third term.
Reactions and statements
In a statement, Khan's office said: "London gave Sadiq the opportunities to go from a council estate to being mayor of London, and his focus will continue to be ensuring that all Londoners get the same shot at reaching their full potential that London gave him and his family. Serving as mayor of the greatest city in the world continues to be the privilege of Sadiq's life. He is excited about what more can be delivered in the years ahead and he will devote his time and energy to standing up for our city and building a fairer, safer and greener London for everyone."
A government source added: "Sadiq has been a brilliant mayor who has transformed London for the better, so this is thoroughly deserved. He has cut violent crime to record lows, cleaned up the capital's air, delivered the Elizabeth line, and got London building council homes again."
Burnham has previously called for overhauling the House of Lords into a "senate of regions and nations," with seats for metro mayors, presumably including London.
