London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been appointed to the House of Lords, a move that highlights a shift in his stance after he previously called for the abolition of the chamber. Khan is among 15 new Labour peers announced in Sir Keir Starmer's resignation honors list.
In 2022, a video surfaced showing Khan stating that a heated exchange with Conservative peer Shaun Bailey was "proof, if it was ever needed, that we should abolish the House of Lords." The remarks were made during a London Assembly meeting.
As a member of the House of Lords, Khan will be entitled to a daily allowance of £390 for attendances. With approximately 150 sittings per year, this could amount to £58,500 annually, in addition to his £170,000 salary as mayor. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London stated that Khan is honored by the peerage and that his focus remains on serving Londoners. "Serving as Mayor of the greatest city in the world continues to be the privilege of Sadiq’s life," the spokesperson added.
Khan will not be relinquishing his role as Mayor of London, a position he could hold until the end of his third term in 2028. His appointment to the Lords could also position him for a government ministry, though it is understood he would not accept a role under the incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Among the other new peers appointed are three Conservatives, including former army chief General Patrick Sanders and Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross, and five Liberal Democrat peers. No nominations were made by the outgoing Prime Minister for the Reform party.