Reports that London Mayor Sadiq Khan could be poised for a swift move to the House of Lords and a potential cabinet role within a future Labour government have been firmly dismissed by allies of the mayor. The speculation, initially reported by the Financial Times, surfaced amid discussions about potential peerages following this May’s local elections across England, Scotland, and Wales. While a seat in the Lords remains a possibility, those close to Khan insist he is focused on completing his current term and has not ruled out seeking a fourth.
The possibility of Khan joining the upper chamber and then being appointed to a cabinet position by Keir Starmer sparked debate about the role of the Lords and the potential for a Labour leader to utilize it to bolster his front bench. Downing Street quickly characterized the reports as “speculation,” and a Labour source declined to comment, further muddying the waters. The core issue revolves around whether Starmer would seek to appoint Khan to the Lords specifically to bring him into government, a move that would bypass the need for a by-election.
Khan’s Political Trajectory and Broad Appeal
Sadiq Khan’s political career began in earnest with a decade serving as the Member of Parliament for Tooting, beginning in 2005. He stepped down from that role in 2016 after winning the first of what would become three consecutive terms as Mayor of London. His success in the mayoral role has been notable for his ability to attract support beyond the traditional Labour base, successfully courting voters from the Green Party and Liberal Democrats – a crucial factor in defeating Conservative opponents in a city often considered a Labour stronghold. This broader appeal is a key reason why his potential elevation to a national role has been discussed.
A move for Khan closer to Starmer could be framed by No. 10 as a demonstration of utilizing talent from across the political spectrum, particularly given Khan’s willingness to publicly challenge the government when he deems it necessary. For example, in March 2024, Khan warned the Labour party against taking progressive voters for granted following a by-election loss to the Green Party in Gorton and Denton, as reported by The Guardian. He argued that Labour needed to actively engage and address the concerns of voters beyond its core support base.
The Precedent of Serving Mayors in the Lords
While Khan’s allies emphasize his commitment to his current role, the possibility of simultaneously serving as Mayor of London and a member of the House of Lords isn’t unprecedented. Ben Houchen, the Conservative Mayor of Tees Valley, was made a peer in 2023 while continuing to serve as mayor and subsequently winning a third term in office. According to data reported by The Guardian, Houchen attended 20% of Lords sittings in 2025 and spoke once in the chamber, demonstrating a level of engagement that, while not extensive, is consistent with holding both positions.
This precedent could smooth the path for Khan, should Starmer and No. 10 decide to pursue a peerage. However, the sheer size of the House of Lords – currently boasting 868 members, with 842 active, making it the second largest legislative chamber globally after China’s National People’s Congress – continues to fuel debate about its composition and effectiveness. Starmer himself has already created 96 new peers since becoming Labour leader, 65 of whom are Labour appointees, in an effort to facilitate the passage of legislation.
The Coming Wave of Peerages and Conservative Plans
Another wave of new peerages is anticipated in the near future, complicated by a reported plan to reinstate approximately 15 hereditary peers as life members of the Lords. This move comes after a bill was passed to remove the remaining 92 hereditary peers, a long-standing point of contention in British politics. The reintroduction of hereditary peers, even in a limited capacity, is likely to reignite criticism of the Lords’ undemocratic elements.
The timing of any potential peerage for Khan is also linked to the upcoming local elections in May. These elections will be a crucial test for both Labour and the Conservatives, and the results could influence the political calculations surrounding appointments to the Lords. A strong performance by Labour could embolden Starmer to move more aggressively in reshaping the upper chamber, while a disappointing result could lead to a more cautious approach.
What’s Next for Sadiq Khan?
For now, Sadiq Khan remains focused on his duties as Mayor of London. He has not publicly announced whether he intends to seek a fourth term in office, leaving his future political plans uncertain. The next key date will be the announcement of the local election results in May, which will likely provide a clearer indication of the political landscape and the potential for further changes in the House of Lords.
The debate surrounding Khan’s potential elevation to the Lords highlights the ongoing tensions between the need for effective governance and the principles of democratic accountability. As the political situation evolves, it’s a conversation likely to continue in the coming months.
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