Sadiq Khan to be made a Lord by outgoing Starmer

London mayor Sadiq Khan has been awarded a peerage by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, days before he stands down.

The move could potentially pave the way for Khan to join Andy Burnham’s cabinet in the future, although sources close to the mayor said he has no current plans to take up a ministerial role.

Khan has long been tipped for a seat in the House of Lords, with Starmer reportedly keen to elevate him following the May local elections in an effort to strengthen Labour’s progressive wing.

But despite Khan and Burnham having worked closely together over the years and sharing an understanding of the challenges facing devolved government, it is reported that Khan had told Burnham he does not want to become a minister in his government.

Sources close to Khan said he remains focused on completing the final two years of his mayoral term.

He has not yet confirmed whether he intends to stand for a fourth term as London mayor in 2028, having previously announced his decisions later in the electoral cycle.

Sadiq Khan represented Tooting as a Labour MP for a decade before stepping down in 2016 after winning his first election as London mayor.

Since then, he has secured three consecutive victories and has developed support beyond Labour’s traditional voter base, helping him defeat Conservative candidates in successive mayoral contests.

He became the first Muslim mayor of a major western capital and has led London through several significant challenges, including the Covid pandemic, terrorist attacks and the climate emergency.

Khan has also been the subject of repeated criticism from US President Donald Trump during his time as mayor. He received a knighthood in 2024 for his political and public service.

The London mayor’s appointment means he will become one of several leaders to have held a role in the House of Lords while serving in local government.

Ben Houchen was appointed as a peer in 2023 while serving his second term as Tees Valley mayor. He later went on to win a third term.

Andy Burnham has previously called for reform of the House of Lords, proposing that the second chamber should become a “senate of regions and nations” with seats for the country’s metro mayors, including potentially London’s mayor.

Sadiq Khan is one of several new peers announced by Starmer, a decision that is expected to face criticism because the Labour leader has already appointed more peers than each of the previous four prime ministers.

Supporters of Starmer’s appointments have argued that he is attempting to rebalance the House of Lords, which has been dominated by Conservative peers for years and has repeatedly challenged legislation despite Labour holding a majority in the House of Commons.

Downing Street sources said Khan’s elevation was part of a regular honours list and was not linked to Starmer’s departure.

However, the timing has attracted attention, as peerages are usually connected to political moments and are most commonly announced during the spring or autumn.

Starmer indicated last week that he could issue resignation honours when he leaves Downing Street, despite pledging three years ago that he would not do so when he eventually stood down.

As opposition leader, Starmer criticised former prime minister Rishi Sunak for allowing Boris Johnson to recommend honours, including peerages, for political allies after his resignation.

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 praised Khan’s record as mayor, highlighting his work on crime, air quality, transport and housing.

The source said: “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.”