Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s Knighthood sparks fierce debate
By Letara Draghia • Published: 11 Jun 2025 • 12:15 • 2 minutes read
Sadiq Khan's Knighthood. Credit: Facebook, Sadiq Khan
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan was officially knighted by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, following his third-term re-election in May 2024.
While the Labour politician called it “a truly humbling moment”, critics have slammed the decision as a “reward for failure”, igniting fierce political debate across the UK.
Sadiq Khan’s historic honour
Sir Sadiq Khan, 54, became the first mayor of London to be knighted, recognised in the King’s New Year Honours for “political and public service.” After kneeling before the King in the traditional sword ceremony, he reflected:
“It’s the honour of my life to serve the city I love… I will continue to build the fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous London that all of the capital’s communities deserve.”
Khan also told the press:
“Growing up on a council estate in Tooting, I never could have imagined that I’d one day receive this great honour while serving as the Mayor of London… I hope [it] inspires others.”
Conservatives brand Khan’s Knighthood a ‘reward for failure’
Critics on the right have taken aim at Khan’s record, especially on crime and housing. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said:
“Londoners will rightly be furious his track record of failure is being rewarded.” (Cited by The Daily Mail.)
Philp added:
“This is a slap in the face to Londoners who have faced a council tax hike of over 70 per cent, a surge in knife crime and an increase in red tape stifling bars and restaurants.”
The Mayor of London: Ulez, knife crime, and a divided city
Perhaps the most divisive part of Khan’s duty has been the expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez). While praised by green groups, it has sparked fierce backlash.
Protesters have taken to the streets, vandalised traffic cameras, and accused Khan of ignoring public opinion. Conservative activist Howard Cox told GB News:
“He’s ignored public consultations… Two out of three people are against [Ulez]. He just said, forget it, we’re still going ahead.”
Cox added:
“I feel very emotional, very upset and physically sick about this man being rewarded for failure.”
He also cited shocking statistics, claiming:
“Knife crime is up 54 per cent… rape reported every hour… trains are covered in graffiti… Jews are scared to go into London… he’s not building affordable housing.”
Since taking office in 2016, Sir Sadiq has repeatedly won over the electorate, most recently in 2024.
His supporters point to his push for cleaner air, inclusive policies, and transport innovations like renaming Overground lines. He’s also pledged to make the Thames swimmable within 10 years.
View all UK news.
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Letara Draghia
Letara is a seasoned lifestyle journalist and copywriter with over a decade of experience writing for leading UK brands including Harrods, John Lewis, and Dreams. She specialises in lifestyle, property, wellness, fashion, and consumer tech—helping brands connect with their audiences through compelling, on-brand storytelling. Since relocating to Spain in 2022, Letara has been a regular contributor to Euro Weekly News, covering local culture, expat life, community events, and family-focused stories. Her deep understanding of both British and Spanish lifestyles allows her to craft content that resonates strongly with the expat community.
Comments
jessica
12 June 2025 • 09:58What a joke, pity the sword didn´t slip
Paul
12 June 2025 • 19:26My first thought too Jessica!
jessica
12 June 2025 • 11:09Also renaming train lines is not innovative, it´s a waste of time and money
Brian
12 June 2025 • 12:52Your Majesty, what were you thinking? Enemies of the state like him should be beheaded, not honoured!
CCW60
12 June 2025 • 16:17Color me not shocked. People should be outraged by this
bob saunders
12 June 2025 • 16:25I find this deeply offensive, that a man that has driven London into a city of Knife crime, social unrest and mass immigration should be Knighted. I, too agree with Brian
Brian
12 June 2025 • 18:12Absolute disgrace if he was a proper Man he would have refused it out of respect for all the people who he has fleeced whilst lining his own pocket
Comments are closed.