Sadiq Khan has been London Mayor since 2016 – but during that time he has faced persistent criticism over, among other issues, levels of knife crime and his controversial ULEZ scheme.
Sadiq Khan is understood to be in line for a knighthood (Image: Getty)
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, is reportedly set to receive a knighthood in the upcoming New Year Honours list in a move which is likely to prove highly controversial – so today Express.co.uk readers are being asked: “Does he deserve one?”
Such an honour would follow his historic third-term victory as mayor earlier this year, underlining his status as a significant figure in contemporary UK politics.
Mr Khan, who was first elected in 2016, is celebrated for his contributions to public service, both as the capital’s first Muslim mayor and as a former MP for Tooting. He also served as a minister under Gordon Brown before transitioning to local government leadership.
However, he has also faced huge criticism, with some holding him responsible for a steady rise in knife crime in the capital during his tenure, and others lamenting his introduction of the ULEZ emissions scheme, which has been branded a tax on motorists.
Speaking to GB News today, Tory MP for Southend West Anna Firth said: “Let’s be absolutely clear, it’s the people of London that deserve a knighthood for putting up with Sadiq Khan.
“Tell that to the 15,000 families who’ve had a victim of knife crime. He has completely failed on knife crime and to keep the streets safe.”
She added: “He’s failed motorists with his absolute war on them and with his ULEZ charge. TfL is going bankrupt.
“What has this man actually done to deserve a knighthood? He’s failed everybody.”
Similarly, speaking to GB News yesterday, London Assembly member Alex Wilson said: “For many months, Sadiq Khan has been staunchly defending the indefensible Labour Government. Now, we learn that Keir Starmer intends to honour Sadiq with a knighthood.
“Londoners will be asking themselves, what for? His abject failure on knife crime? His failure to build affordable homes? His failure to keep our streets safe? His failure to protect working people?”
Mr Khan’s supporters, Ken Penton, co-chair of Labour’s environmental campaign group SERA, have lauded ULEZ as necessary to clean up London’s air. Others also cited investments in affordable housing and public transport.
They also claim Mr Khan has demonstrated resilience and leadership during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, working to protect public services and advocating for government support for Londoners.
Anti-ULEZ protestors in London last year (Image: Getty)
His expected honour places him among several prominent political figures also tipped for recognition this year.
Emily Thornberry, a long-standing Labour MP and former shadow attorney general, is reportedly in line for a damehood. Similarly, Patricia Hewitt, a New Labour-era health secretary, is rumoured to be a recipient.
On the Conservative side, former ministers such as Nick Gibb and Andy Street may also be knighted.
While the draft list has yet to receive final approval from Prime Minister Keir Starmer and King Charles III, the discussions highlight the enduring significance of the New Year Honours in recognising public and political service.
The sharp reaction on social media has underlined Mr Khan’s role as both a divisive and influential leader remains a focal point of national discourse.
Sadiq Khan also won praise for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic (Image: Getty)
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