London’s mayor expresses gratitude for his knighthood amid mixed reactions
London: Sadiq Khan has been knighted in the New Year Honours list after winning a record third term as the city’s mayor. He expressed that he feels “truly humbled” by this recognition.
Reflecting on his journey, he mentioned how he never imagined growing up in a council estate that he would one day hold such a prestigious position. He’s committed to making London a fairer and greener place for everyone.
However, not everyone is thrilled about the knighthood. Some critics, including shadow home secretary Chris Philp, have labeled it “a reward for failure,” pointing to rising knife crime and unmet housing goals.
A petition against his knighthood has gained traction, amassing over 200,000 signatures since early December. Khan, who grew up in Tooting, has a background as a human rights lawyer and entered politics in 2005.
He made history in 2016 by becoming the first Muslim mayor of a major western city, succeeding Boris Johnson. His efforts to tackle pollution and expand the ultra-low emission zone have sparked debate, with some vandalizing Ulez cameras.
He’s also focused on cleaning up the Thames, aiming to make it swimmable in the next decade. Despite his initiatives, he’s faced criticism over crime rates and police funding, often clashing with the Conservative government.
His public profile soared during a high-profile feud with Donald Trump, which began back in 2015. Khan has consistently spoken out against Trump’s controversial remarks, including those about Muslims.
In May, Khan secured a third term as mayor with a significant majority over his Conservative opponent, Susan Hall. His journey continues as he navigates the challenges of leading London.