Sadiq Khan takes up seat in House of Lords four years after calling for its abolition

Sadiq Khan has said he will continue “banging the drum for London” as he prepares to take his seat in the House of Lords.

The Mayor of London, now in his third term at City Hall, is expected to sworn into the House of Lords on Tuesday afternoon.

Lord Khan of Tooting said he was “truly honoured” to have been given a peerage and vowed to continue working “tirelessly” in the interests of Londoners.

Speaking ahead of his elevation to the Lords, he said: “This country and our capital city gave me the opportunity to go from a council estate to being Mayor of London, and I’m truly honoured to be given a peerage.

“I’ve always been motivated by public service, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far since I’ve been Mayor – from delivering free school meals for all state primary school pupils to cleaning London’s air, improving public transport, and providing opportunities for young people.

“My focus will continue to be on ensuring that all Londoners get the same shot at reaching their full potential that London gave to me and my family.

“This means banging the drum for London as the greatest city in the world and continuing to work tirelessly to build a fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous city for everyone.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, speaking at the Climate Innovation Forum, at the Guildhall in central London, on June 23

AFP/Getty

Lord Khan was one of 26 people given peerages when Sir Keir Starmer left No 10 in July, with the outgoing prime minister describing him as a “brilliant mayor who has transformed London for the better” and saying he was thoroughly deserving of the honour.

London Labour MPs were quick to congratulate the mayor, describing him as a “dedicated public servant” who had shown an “unwavering commitment” to the capital.

“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,” Sir Keir said in backing the mayor.

Ms Cunningham wrote on X: “Sadiq Khan wanted the House of Lords abolished.

“Now he’ll happily take a seat there as Lord Khan. What changed? Your principles, or your title? Isn’t being Mayor of London enough of a title for you? And will you now resign?”.

During a fiery exchange at London City Hall with Conservative Assembly Member Shaun Bailey in 2022, Lord Khan explicitly said Mr Bailey’s appointment to the second chamber was “proof, if it was ever needed, that we should abolish the House of Lords”.

Now, four years on, he is preparing to take his own seat in the upper chamber.

Lord Khan has served as Mayor of London since 2016, winning three consecutive elections and broadening his support beyond Labour’s traditional base.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan and his wife Saadiya Khan pose for photos as they walk across the Millennium Bridge ahead of his swearing in as Mayor of London for a third term in 2024

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The capital’s first Muslim mayor has led London through the Covid pandemic, terrorist attacks and the climate emergency, while frequently facing criticism from Donald Trump.

Lord Khan, who was knighted last year, would not be the first regional mayor to combine the role with membership of the House of Lords, and there is nothing to prevent him from doing so.

While sources close to the mayor suggest his team is actively preparing for a potential campaign, Lord Khan himself has yet to make a firm commitment.

Dawn Butler and David Lammy are the leading Labour MPs preparing or rumoured to run for Mayor of London in 2028 if Sadiq decides not to seek a fourth term.

Lord Khan has until May 4, 2027 – exactly one year before the 2028 election – to declare whether he will stand again.