In a dramatic financial development that has sent shockwaves through British politics, Sadiq Khan has seen his mayoral salary skyrocket to an astonishing £160,000 annually – making him the highest-paid elected official in the United Kingdom.
The London Mayor's substantial £170,000 pay increase over his tenure means he now earns significantly more than Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, whose annual salary stands at £75,440 after he opted to maintain the PM's longstanding pay level.
The Numbers Behind The Controversy
The figures reveal a remarkable financial trajectory for Khan since he first took office in 2016. His initial salary of £143,911 has climbed steadily through three separate increases, culminating in the current £160,000 package that places him well ahead of other elected officials.
Comparative political salaries paint a striking picture:
- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak: £75,440
- First Minister of Scotland: £163,229
- First Minister of Wales: £136,905
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan: £160,000
Who Approved The Pay Rise?
The controversial salary adjustments were approved by the London Assembly's cross-party remuneration panel, which operates independently to assess appropriate pay levels for the Mayor and Assembly members. This body determined that the Mayor's salary should increase in line with senior officials across London government.
City Hall officials have defended the increases, stating that the Mayor's responsibilities have expanded significantly since the position was created. They point to growing demands across transport, policing, housing, and economic development as justification for the enhanced remuneration.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
The revelation has ignited fierce debate across political lines. Conservative MPs have been particularly vocal, with former minister Paul Scully describing the situation as "completely wrong" that Khan earns more than twice the Prime Minister's salary.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some Londoners questioning the value for money while others argue that running one of the world's major global cities warrants competitive compensation.
Broader Context: Political Salaries in Perspective
While Khan's salary now leads among elected UK politicians, it remains substantially below many other leadership positions. The Chief Executive of the Greater London Authority earns £207,000 annually, while many local council chiefs and private sector equivalents command significantly higher packages.
The debate raises fundamental questions about how we value political leadership and whether current remuneration structures adequately reflect the responsibilities and complexities of running major cities and governing the nation.
As London continues to face significant challenges – from transport upgrades to housing crises and economic recovery – the discussion about appropriate compensation for those steering the city through these issues seems certain to continue.
