London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been awarded a knighthood in the New Year Honours, a decision that has sparked both acclaim and criticism. The honor, announced alongside other prominent Labour figures, comes as Khan faces scrutiny over his mayoral record, particularly his controversial Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion.
While Khan expressed his humility at receiving the honor, describing it as "truly humbling," his critics have voiced strong opposition. A petition opposing his knighthood, initiated by a Conservative councilor, has garnered over 200,000 signatures, highlighting the deep divisions surrounding his tenure. These divisions stem from concerns about rising crime rates, housing crises, and increased taxes in the city during his leadership.
The knighthood for Khan, now referred to as Sir Sadiq, coincides with honors for other Labour figures such as Emily Thornberry and Patricia Hewitt, who were both made dames. These appointments have further intensified the political discourse surrounding the honors list.
Khan's mayoralty since 2016 has been marked by several controversies. Most notably, his ULEZ expansion, which imposes charges on vehicles with higher emissions, prompted protests and vandalism. The policy was also cited as a contributing factor to Labour's defeat in the Uxbridge by-election, further highlighting the level of public discontent.
Despite the criticism, Khan's supporters, including Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have praised his achievements, citing his initiatives such as free school meals and efforts to tackle air pollution. Lammy also applauded Khan's journey from the son of a bus driver to becoming a knight of the realm, as a testament to social mobility within the UK.
Other prominent figures recognized in the New Year Honours include actor Stephen Fry, former England manager Gareth Southgate and several Team GB athletes, demonstrating a broad range of achievements. The list also includes literary figures and medical professionals, notably the King’s medical team. Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro received a Companion of Honour for his contributions to literature.
The honors list also recognized political figures from various parties, including former Conservatives Andy Street and Nick Gibb, along with Labour's Carol Linforth. This demonstrates a degree of cross-party recognition, adding another dimension to the honors list. It’s worth mentioning that a number of former MPs were also recognized in the list.
Notably, the government has emphasized the independence of the selection committee responsible for the honors. This year’s list, comprised of over 1,200 recipients, underscores the government’s stated commitment to acknowledging contributions from ordinary citizens doing extraordinary work.
Khan, reflecting on his journey, stated his gratitude for the honor and his commitment to building a "fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous London." The wide range of recipients on the 2024 New Year Honours List highlighted a variety of contributions from many sectors across the UK, yet the knighthood bestowed upon Sadiq Khan remains the most talked-about subject.
