London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been appointed to the House of Lords, a move that comes just four years after he was recorded advocating for the abolition of the same legislative body. Khan is among 15 new Labour peers named in Sir Keir Starmer's resignation honours list.
A video from a 2022 London Assembly meeting shows Khan referencing a debate with Conservative peer Shaun Bailey, who had run against him for mayor in 2021. "That exchange between Shaun Bailey and myself is proof, if it was ever needed, that we should abolish the House of Lords," Khan stated in the recording.
Khan's appointment makes him one of 25 new peers from across various political parties. As a member of the House of Lords, he will be eligible to receive a daily attendance allowance of £390, tax-free. With approximately 150 sittings per year, this could amount to £58,500 annually, in addition to his £170,000 salary as Mayor of London. It remains unclear whether Khan will accept these payments or donate them to charity.
Despite the controversy surrounding his peerage, Khan is expected to continue serving as Mayor of London, with his third term concluding in 2028. While a peerage could position him for a ministerial role, sources indicate he would not accept a position under the incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Other notable appointments in the latest batch of peers include former army chief General Patrick Sanders and Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross, nominated by the Conservatives. The Liberal Democrats also nominated five peers. The outgoing Prime Minister did not put forward any nominations for the Reform Party.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London stated, "Sadiq is honoured to be given a peerage. London gave Sadiq the opportunities to go from a council estate to being Mayor, 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, greener London for everyone."