Sadiq Khan joins House of Lords as outgoing UK PM names 26 new peers

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has appointed London Mayor Sadiq Khan and 25 other individuals to the House of Lords in one of his final acts as prime minister. These appointments, announced on Thursday, will allow the nominees to serve as life peers, scrutinizing, revising, and voting on UK legislation. The list includes prominent figures from politics, philanthropy, social action, the military, and business. Khan, a former Labour MP, is currently serving his third term as London mayor. These peerages are a traditional prerogative of outgoing prime ministers. The nominations comprise 16 Labour nominees, five Liberal Democrat, three Conservative, and two crossbench peers.

Keir Starmer has appointed London Mayor Sadiq Khan to the House of Lords just days before Starmer's departure as prime minister. This move, which Starmer had reportedly considered for some time to bolster Labour's progressive wing, potentially opens the door for Khan to join Andy Burnham's cabinet in the future. Khan has stated he is committed to his mayoral term and has not yet decided on seeking re-election in 2028. The article notes Khan's decade as a London MP and his tenure as mayor, during which he has navigated significant challenges. Starmer's appointment of new peers, including Khan, has drawn criticism for its volume. Khan's office affirmed his dedication to his mayoral duties and improving London.