London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan is among 26 new individuals appointed to the House of Lords. These appointments are among the final actions taken by Sir Keir Starmer before he leaves office.
Sir Sadiq has been nominated as a Labour Lord, alongside 15 other Labour appointees, including broadcaster June Sarpong and former union chief Christina McAnea. While a peerage would enable Sir Sadiq to serve as a government minister, sources indicate he is not seeking a role in Andy Burnham's incoming government.
The nominations also include five new peers from the Liberal Democrats, three from the Conservatives, and two cross-bench members: former cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald and retired senior judge Sir Brian Leveson. Downing Street confirmed the King has been 'graciously pleased to signify his intention of conferring peerages' on these individuals.
The appointments were published as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to depart office on Monday, with Andy Burnham set to become the next prime minister. Sir Sadiq's nomination is particularly notable; he is currently in his third term as London Mayor, having been first elected in 2016. He has not yet decided if he will seek a fourth term in 2028.
A government source lauded Sir Sadiq as "a brilliant mayor who has transformed London for the better," describing his peerage as "thoroughly deserved." The source credited him with cutting violent crime, improving air quality, delivering the Elizabeth Line, and increasing the construction of council homes in the capital.
A spokesperson for the Mayor stated that Sir Sadiq is "honoured to be given a peerage" and is "excited about what more can be delivered in the years ahead." The spokesperson added that he will "devote his time and energy to standing up for our city and building a fairer, safer and greener London for everyone."
Sources suggest this list of nominations was a cross-party effort developed before Sir Keir Starmer announced his resignation as Labour leader last month. These are described as "political peerages," distinct from the resignation honours typically granted by prime ministers upon leaving office.
Reform UK did not receive any peerages in this list. Leader Nigel Farage criticized the appointments, stating, "Once again there is nothing for Reform and we get an even more unrepresentative upper house."
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey expressed delight that agricultural economist Julia Aglionby, former Barnsley councillor Hannah Kitching, economist Tim Leunig, campaigns director Dave McCobb, and offshore wind entrepreneur Mark Petterson would join his party's contingent in the Lords. He believes they possess the necessary skills and experience to hold the government accountable and advocate for political reform.
The Conservative Party announced that former head of the army General Sir Patrick Sanders, Carphone Warehouse co-founder David Ross, and Professor Swaran Singh from the University of Warwick have been made Conservative peers. A party spokesman highlighted their extensive experience in business, defence, and healthcare.
Appointments to the House of Lords are typically made by the King upon the prime minister's recommendation, following vetting procedures. Labour has previously stated intentions to abolish the Lords and replace it with a reformed second chamber, though recent plans focused on removing hereditary peers while considering alternatives.
Concerns about the unelected nature of the House of Lords have been voiced by figures like Andy Burnham, who has called for a complete overhaul. Darren Hughes, chief executive of the Electoral Reform Society, emphasized the need for the next prime minister to pursue reform, aiming for a smaller, more democratic, and accountable chamber.
It comes after Sir Keir signalled he could hand out resignation honours when he leaves Downing Street, despite saying in 2023 he found giving out such awards "very hard to justify".
June Sarpong attending London Fashion Week with the prime minister's wife Victoria Starmer in 2024
