Khan's Peerage Speculation: London's Political Drama

0:00On April 4, London mayor Sadiq Khan might get a seat in the House of Lords from Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the local elections on May 7th. The idea is floating around as a way to reward or quiet one of Starmer's top critics inside labor. Labor could lose control of 19 out of 21 councils they hold in London, based on recent polling. Sources say pulling Khan in would steady things if results go south, but his allies flat out deny any talks are happening. Assembly members from other parties are fired up against it. They argue Khan's already too distracted from real London headaches like crashing housebuilding numbers, police shortages, and overdue transport, upgrades that are blowing budgets. Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, and Reform UK folks say if he grabs the purge he should step down as mayor, no doubling up like the two current. Lords on the Assembly, they call it a cynical move that shafts everyday Londoners. Right now, it's all speculation, with Khan's camp insisting no list exists and he's not on in.

1:03Government sources echo that. More peerage announcements are coming down the line so this drama could heat up quick for the city.