ondon Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has been awarded a life peerage after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced 26 new appointments to the House of Lords. The announcement marks another milestone in Khan’s political career, making him one of the latest figures to receive one of the United Kingdom’s highest parliamentary honours.
The appointments were announced before Prime Minister Starmer leaves office. Furthermore, they include political figures, senior public officials, and distinguished professionals from different fields.
Sadiq Khan Among New House of Lords Appointees
Sir Sadiq Khan is one of 16 political appointments approved by Prime Minister Starmer. He will join the House of Lords alongside former Cabinet Secretary Sir Chris Wormald and retired senior judge Sir Brian Leveson, who will serve as crossbench peers.
The appointments follow formal approval after King Charles III signified his intention to confer peerages on the selected nominees.
Government sources praised Khan’s leadership, describing him as a “brilliant mayor who has transformed London for the better.” They highlighted improvements in public safety, cleaner air, the completion of the Elizabeth Line, and increased council house construction during his tenure.
London Mayor Says Public Service Remains His Priority
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said serving the city “continues to be the privilege of Sadiq’s life.” The spokesperson added that Khan remains committed to “building a fairer, safer and greener London for everyone.”
The statement also noted that Sir Sadiq felt honoured to receive the life peerage.
Despite the appointment, Khan is not seeking a ministerial role. Additionally, he has not yet decided whether he will contest another term as Mayor of London.
Journey From Pakistani Immigrant Family to British Political Leadership
Sir Sadiq Khan was born in Tooting, South London, to Pakistani immigrant parents from Islamabad.
His father worked as a bus driver, while his mother was a seamstress. Raised on a council estate, Khan studied law before becoming a human rights solicitor.
Later, he entered politics as the Labour Member of Parliament for Tooting. In 2016, he became London’s first Muslim mayor and Britain’s most senior Muslim politician.
His rise from a working-class British-Pakistani family to one of the country’s highest political offices has frequently been recognised as a remarkable success story.
Other Political Leaders Also Submit Nominations
Prime Minister Starmer also approved five peerage nominations submitted by Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.
In addition, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch received approval for three nominations.
These appointments reflect the long-standing practice of political leaders recommending individuals for life peerages across different parties.
House of Lords Remains One of World’s Largest Legislative Chambers
The House of Lords currently has around 774 members, making it one of the world’s largest legislative chambers.
Although Labour currently forms the government, the Conservative Party remains the largest political group in the Lords with 246 peers. Labour has 216 members, while there are 156 crossbench peers and 74 Liberal Democrat peers.
The latest appointments will further shape the composition of the upper chamber while adding experienced political and public figures to parliamentary proceedings.
