London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been appointed to the House of Lords, receiving a peerage in one of Keir Starmer's final nominations before the upcoming transition of power. Khan is among 15 other Labour figures included in this batch of honors.
Broadcaster June Sarpong and former UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea are also featured on the list. Khan, however, will retain his position as Mayor of London. While it is understood he would not accept a ministerial role under the incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, his current stance on his mayoral duties and potential future role in government remains unclear.
Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham, set to take office on Monday, has previously advocated for reforms to the House of Lords, questioning the legitimacy of an unelected upper chamber. His past statements suggest a potential review of its composition.
The peerage nominations are distinct from any resignation honors Sir Keir Starmer may present. Prime Ministers traditionally compile such lists, often to reward close allies and staff, a practice Starmer has previously criticized. He had stated in 2023 that he would not issue a resignation list, citing the difficulty in justifying such honors and preferring alternative avenues for recognition.
Sources close to Mayor Khan emphasized his continued commitment to London, stating his focus remains on improving the city for its residents. They indicated he will dedicate his time and energy to his mayoral duties, working towards a "fairer, safer and greener London."
A government source described Khan as a "brilliant Mayor who has transformed London for the better," citing reductions in violent crime, air quality improvements, the delivery of the Elizabeth Line, and the reinstatement of council house construction as achievements during his tenure.
In addition to the Labour nominations, the Conservative Party has put forward three new peers, including former army chief General Patrick Sanders and Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross. The Liberal Democrats have been granted five nominations, while Reform did not receive any appointments. Former Appeal Court judge Sir Brian Leveson, author of the Leveson Report, will become a crossbench peer.