Sadiq Khan sworn into House of Lords while remaining London Mayor

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, was sworn into the House of Lords on Tuesday afternoon, having received a peerage as part of Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation honours. This move places him in the upper chamber of Parliament while he continues to serve as the capital's mayor, a position he has held for a decade.

There is no regulation that prohibits an individual from simultaneously holding a peerage and the office of Mayor of London. This precedent has been set by other elected mayors, including Ben Houchen, the Conservative mayor of Tees Valley, who has served in the House of Lords for three years, and Conservative London Assembly member Shaun Bailey.

Criticism over past statements

Khan's acceptance of a peerage has drawn criticism, as he has previously voiced strong opinions on the abolition of the House of Lords. In a 2022 exchange with Shaun Bailey at City Hall, Khan described the existence of the Lords as 'proof, if it was ever needed, that we should abolish the House of Lords'. His current position has led to accusations of hypocrisy from some quarters.

Despite his new parliamentary role, Khan's team has indicated that he plans to continue as Mayor of London until at least the conclusion of his third term in 2028. He has not yet made a definitive commitment regarding a potential fourth term, having previously told The Standard in May that he would consider leaving the mayoral role for certain 'dream jobs' if approached.

Security and future considerations

The role of Mayor of London has come with significant personal costs for Khan. Since 2017, he has been under round-the-clock police protection, a security measure described as being on par with that afforded to the King and the Prime Minister. This level of protection is unprecedented for a mayor of London, particularly for the city's first Muslim mayor.

Speculation about potential successors is already circulating. While Labour MP Dawn Butler has denied reports of preparing a mayoral campaign, former Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy is reportedly considering a bid if Khan decides not to seek re-election. Polling data from a Savanta UK survey for the Mile End Institute in July suggests Khan would be the favoured candidate if he were to stand again, with 33% support compared to 18% for the Conservatives.

Although Khan has reportedly informed Andy Burnham that he does not wish to take a ministerial post, his elevation to the House of Lords provides him with a permanent parliamentary platform for future political engagement after he eventually leaves City Hall.