Outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed Sadiq Khan to the House of Lords just days before stepping down, a move that could allow the London mayor to join Andy Burnham's cabinet in the future. The peerage, announced on Thursday, comes after long speculation that Starmer intended to elevate Khan to the Lords following the May local elections to solidify Labour's progressive wing.
Khan's Commitment to Mayoral Term
Sources close to Khan indicate he remains focused on completing his third term as London mayor, which ends in 2028. He has not yet announced whether he will seek a fourth term, having typically delayed such decisions until later in the electoral cycle. Khan has told Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham that he has no desire to serve as a minister in his government, according to the Guardian.
Background and Achievements
Khan, who served as a London MP for a decade before becoming mayor in 2016, has won three consecutive mayoral elections by appealing beyond Labour's core base. He is the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital and has navigated crises including the COVID-19 pandemic, terrorist attacks, and climate emergencies. He has also faced repeated criticism from US President Donald Trump. Khan received a knighthood in 2024.
Precedent and Criticism
Khan is not the first regional mayor to hold a peerage; Ben Houchen, Tees Valley mayor, was made a peer in 2023 while serving his second term. Burnham has proposed reforming the House of Lords into a "senate of regions and nations" with seats for metro mayors, potentially including London. Starmer's appointment of multiple new peers has drawn criticism, as he has appointed more than any of the previous four prime ministers. Supporters argue he is rebalancing a Lords historically dominated by Conservatives, which has often blocked Labour legislation.
Timing and Context
Downing Street sources suggest Khan's elevation is part of a regular honours list, not tied to Starmer's departure. However, the timing is unusual, as peerages are typically announced in spring or autumn. Starmer had previously criticized Boris Johnson for granting resignation honours but signalled last week he might issue his own when leaving office.
Official Statements
Khan's office stated: "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." A government source added: "Sadiq has been a brilliant mayor who has transformed London for the better. 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."
