Starmer Appoints Khan as Peer

Keir Starmer appointed Sadiq Khan a peer in the House of Lords. The announcement came on Thursday, days before the prime minister stands down. Khan spent a decade as a London MP until 2016 and has won three consecutive elections as mayor.

He is the first Muslim mayor of a major western capital and received a knighthood last year. The appointment follows a pattern set by Ben Houchen, who was made a peer in 2023 while serving as Tees Valley mayor and later won a third term. Starmer has already appointed more peers than any of the previous four prime ministers.

Peerages are usually tied to political events and most commonly appear in the spring or autumn. Downing Street sources described Khan’s elevation as part of a regular honours list rather than one linked to Starmer’s departure. As opposition leader, Starmer criticised Rishi Sunak for allowing Boris Johnson to hand out awards including peerages.

Khan’s office stated that his focus will continue to be ensuring all Londoners get the same shot at reaching their full potential. A government source said Khan has cut violent crime to record lows, cleaned up the capital’s air, delivered the Elizabeth line, and got London building council homes again.