Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has awarded London Mayor Sadiq Khan a peerage, granting him a seat in the House of Lords as a parting gift before leaving Downing Street. The decision places Khan among 26 new members of the Lords announced by Downing Street on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Khan joins Lords alongside senior figures
Sir Sadiq will take his seat on the red benches alongside former cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald and retired senior judge Sir Brian Leveson. The move could pave the way for Khan to join the cabinet of incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is set to take office on Monday. Burnham, known as the 'King of the North,' is expected to form his administration soon.
Khan, a long-time Labour mayor of London since 2016, has been widely speculated for a Lords seat. He has reportedly worked closely with Burnham over the years. However, sources indicate that Khan is not seeking a ministerial role in Burnham's new government and has not yet decided whether to stand for re-election as mayor.
Political and crossbench appointments
The outgoing PM made 16 political appointments, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey nominated five and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch made three. Sir Chris Wormald, who was effectively forced out as cabinet secretary during the Mandelson vetting scandal, will sit as a crossbench peer alongside Sir Brian Leveson. It is believed Starmer recommended Wormald directly for the Lords.
Other nominations from Starmer include broadcaster and former Loose Women panelist June Sarpong and former Unison general secretary Christina McAnea. The appointments come as Starmer prepares to leave Number 10 after a challenging two-year premiership.
Khan's dual role and future plans
Sir Sadiq will initially combine his parliamentary duties with his role as London Mayor. He has held the mayoralty since 2016 and is a close ally of Starmer. The peerage allows him to remain active in national politics while continuing his regional responsibilities. A poll accompanying the announcement asks readers whether Starmer was right to give Khan a seat in the Lords, inviting public debate.
