London Mayor Sadiq Khan handed a peerage by Keir Starmer alongside 15 other Labour figures… just days before the PM leaves No10

In one of Keir Starmer’s final acts as Prime Minister, Sadiq Khan was given the rank along with 15 other Labor figures.

The Lord Mayor of London enters the House of Lords with Sir Keir’s latest batch of nominations.

Broadcaster June Sarpong and former Unison general secretary Christina McAnea are also on the list.

In a potentially controversial move, Sir Sadiq will not give up his role as mayor – but it is understood he will not accept a ministerial role under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

Sir Sadiq and his 25 other new colleagues – including five Liberal Democrats, three Tory and two crossover candidates – will be entitled to £390 tax-free for each day they attend the Lords. There are generally 150 sitting days per year.

Aides did not immediately say whether the mayor, who currently has a salary of £170,000, would take the payment or donate it to charity.

It is also unclear what Mr Burnham, who will take over at No10 on Monday, thinks about the appointments.

He has long advocated reform of the Upper House, insisting last month that the failure to elect “half our national assembly” was “quite scandalous” and that he “would not rule out an early change”.

The list is separate from any resignation rewards Sir Keir may offer

The Conservative Party has nominated three new counterparts, including former army chief Gen. Patrick Sanders and Carphone Warehouse founder David Ross.

The Liberal Democrats were given five, but there was no room for Reform.

Former Court of Appeal judge Sir Brian Leveson, author of the Leveson Report on press standards, became the cross-examiner.

He will be joined by former Cabinet Secretary Chris Wormald. Sir Keir effectively forced the civil servant out of his job during the Mandelson review scandal.

The list is separate from the resignation rewards Sir Keir may offer.

He flatly refused to rule out a series of farewell candidacies, although he vowed never to make such a bid while in opposition.

A spokesman for Sir Sadiq said: ‘London gave Sadiq the opportunity to become Mayor of London from a council estate and his focus will continue to be on ensuring all Londoners have the same chance to achieve the full potential that London has to offer him and his family.

‘Serving as mayor of the world’s greatest city remains the privilege of Sadiq’s life.

‘He is excited about what more can be done in the coming years and will dedicate his time and energy to defending our city and building a fairer, safer and greener London for everyone.’

Allies insisted Sir Sadiq ‘will continue to devote the same time and energy as the Mayor to building a fairer, safer and greener city for every Londoner’.

He has not yet decided whether he will seek a fourth term in office.

A Government source said: ‘Sadiq was a brilliant Mayor who transformed London for the better, so this is fully deserved.

‘He brought violent crime to record levels, cleaned up the capital’s air, delivered the Elizabeth Line and rebuilt social housing in London.’

June Sarpong, originally known for presenting T4 on Channel 4, is a long-time Labor supporter who campaigned for Sir Keir in the general election.

It is known that he was a close friend of his wife, Lady Victoria.

Ms Sarpong also dated Sir Keir’s aide David Lammy in the 2000s.

Former Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham has previously supported turning the council into an elected senate made up of regions and nations, and is reportedly considering plans to appoint metro mayors to red benches as a first step towards a more representative structure.

The Liberal Democrats nominated agricultural economist Julia Aglionby, former Barnsley councilor and physiotherapist Hannah Kitching, economist Tim Leunig, Liberal Democrat campaign director Dave McCobb and offshore wind entrepreneur Mark Petterson to the Lords.

Party leader Ed Davey said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that Julia, Hannah, Tim, Dave and Mark will be joining our brilliant Liberal Democrat team in the House of Lords.

‘Each has the right skills, experience and values ​​to help us hold the Government to account, deliver the change people need and fix our broken policies, including reforming the House of Lords.’

Sir Keir is under pressure to keep his promise not to hand out honors to mark his resignation.

Publisher June Sarpong has been appointed to the Lords. Long-time Labor supporter and campaigning for Sir Keir (pictured in 2024)

Former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has previously supported turning the House of Lords into a senate of elected districts and nations.

Prime ministers often draw up a gong list when they resign, and often reward close aides and political allies.

In the past, even relatively junior employees received OBEs, while others were given a rank in recognition of their dedication.

But Sir Keir has been tough on the convention in the past and has flatly ruled out holding one.

When Boris Johnson’s list was revealed in 2023, he was asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today program whether he would hand out the resignation honours.

‘NO. ‘There are other opportunities,’ he replied. ‘Tony Blair had no resignation list. It’s hard to justify this…

‘There are other ways to do this, and I think it’s easier to be clear about it and simply say no, I wouldn’t do that.’

No 10 is yet to clarify whether Sir Keir will publish a list that comes months after a prime minister’s departure.