In one of his final actions as prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer has nominated London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan to join the House of Lords. Khan is one of 26 individuals selected for peerages in a list comprising political appointments from across the major parties.
Alongside Khan, 15 other Labour nominees include broadcaster June Sarpong and former union leader Christina McAnea. The list also incorporates five Liberal Democrats, three Conservatives, and two cross-bench appointments: former cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald and retired judge Sir Brian Leveson. The nominations were formalised after receiving the King’s approval.
Sadiq Khan, who has served as mayor since 2016 and is currently in his third term, stated he is honoured by the appointment. Sources close to the mayor indicated he does not intend to pursue a ministerial post in the incoming administration of Andy Burnham, who is set to become prime minister on Monday. While the mayor’s office noted that Khan is focused on his current duties, a decision regarding a potential fourth term in 2028 remains undecided.
The announcement has drawn criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who described the list as unrepresentative of the public. Meanwhile, the Electoral Reform Society highlighted the apparent contradiction between these appointments and Labour’s broader ambitions to reform or replace the upper chamber. While Labour previously proposed replacing the House of Lords, the party has since shifted its focus toward specific changes, such as removing hereditary peer positions.
