Sir Sadiq Khan Awarded Life Peerage in Starmer’s Final Honours List

In one of his last acts as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has nominated Sir Sadiq Khan for a life peerage, elevating the Mayor of London to the House of Lords. The announcement forms part of a broader list of 26 new political peerages published by Downing Street today.

The King has signified his intention to confer life peerages on the nominated individuals, with Sir Sadiq Khan listed among 16 Labour nominees. The full breakdown includes 16 from Labour, 5 from the Liberal Democrats, 3 from the Conservatives, and 2 crossbench peers.

Background: A Transition in Power.

This development comes as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to leave office. Starmer announced his resignation as Prime Minister and Labour leader on 22 June 2026 following a prolonged period of unpopularity and significant losses for Labour in recent local elections. The leadership contest is now in its final stages, with nominations closing today. Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham is the overwhelming favourite and is expected to become Labour leader on 17 July and Prime Minister shortly after.

What the Peerage Means

Life peers sit in the House of Lords and can participate in debates, scrutiny of legislation, and — crucially — can be appointed to government roles, including the Cabinet. The move is widely seen as paving the way for Khan to potentially join a future Burnham cabinet while continuing aspects of his London-focused work.

The House of Lords chamber

Mixed Reactions;

Public and political reactions have been sharply divided:

•  Supporters highlight Khan’s long record on issues such as air quality improvements (Ultra Low Emission Zone), transport investment, and his visibility on the international stage.

•  Critics argue the appointment rewards a mayor whose record on crime, housing affordability, and street cleanliness has drawn consistent criticism from Londoners and opposition parties.

Social media has been flooded with commentary since the news broke, ranging from celebratory posts to strong opposition.

Context and Significance

The House of Lords has undergone significant reform in recent years, with the removal of most hereditary peers completed earlier in 2026. Appointments like this one continue the tradition of prime ministers using resignation or dissolution honours to recognise allies and shape the upper chamber’s composition.

For Khan personally, becoming “Lord Khan” (or Baron Khan of [location to be confirmed]) marks another milestone in a career that has already seen him rise from MP for Tooting to the highest elected office in London.

Whether he takes up a formal government role under the incoming leadership remains to be seen, but today’s announcement clearly signals that his influence within the Labour movement is set to continue at the national level.