Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has been knighted in HM The King’s New Year Honours List 2025, marking a significant milestone in a career dedicated to public service. Sir Sadiq, who secured a record third term as London mayor earlier this year, expressed his gratitude for the recognition.
“Truly Humbled”
Reflecting on his journey, Sir Sadiq said:
“I couldn’t have dreamed when growing up on a council estate in south London that I would one day be mayor of London. It’s the honour of my life to serve the city I love, and I will continue to build the fairer, safer, greener, and more prosperous London that all of the capital’s communities deserve.”
A Trailblazing Career
Born in Tooting to Pakistani immigrant parents, Sir Sadiq started his career as a human rights lawyer before becoming MP for Tooting in 2005. After serving as a junior minister under Gordon Brown and shadow justice secretary under Ed Miliband, he made history in 2016 by defeating Zac Goldsmith to become the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital.
He was re-elected in 2021 and again in May 2024, securing a 275,000-vote majority over Conservative candidate Susan Hall.
Controversial Tenure
Sir Sadiq’s leadership has not been without contention. His introduction and expansion of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) has sparked significant debate. While aimed at reducing air pollution, the scheme has faced criticism and protests, with Ulez cameras and signage becoming targets of vandalism.
He has also pledged to clean up the Thames, with an ambitious plan to make it swimmable within a decade.
Advocating for Change
Throughout his tenure, Sir Sadiq has been a vocal advocate for greener policies, improved public transport, and tougher stances on violent crime. However, his record on law and order has drawn criticism, including accusations of not taking knife crime seriously.
Despite challenges, he has championed initiatives like introducing names and colors for London Overground lines and pushing for tougher measures against weapons like zombie knives.
A Global Profile
Sir Sadiq’s global profile was amplified by a public feud with former US President Donald Trump. The spat, which began in 2015 over comments about Muslims, escalated during Mr. Trump’s visits to the UK. Despite the heated exchanges, Sir Sadiq maintained his focus on city governance.
A Vision for London
As he steps into the new year as Sir Sadiq, the mayor remains committed to his vision for a “fairer and greener London.” With his knighthood, he joins a distinguished list of individuals recognized for their exceptional contributions to society.
The honour solidifies his place as one of London’s most influential and trailblazing leaders, highlighting his journey from a council estate in south London to the helm of the capital.
