Sadiq Khan's recent knighthood has ignited controversy, with a petition alleging his mayoral record warrants less recognition. This reaction highlights the deeply polarized political climate in London, where public figures face intense scrutiny and varying opinions.
It should feel like a victory for Khan and for London’s multicultural identity and resilience (Picture: Belinda Jiao) Let’s be honest — if you’re angry at Sadiq Khan ’s knighthood, it’s not just because of his record as Mayor of London. Honours lists always provoke debate, almost as if designed to divide opinion. The system is flawed — from how recipients are chosen to what the titles signify — but it remains our unique way of acknowledging meaningful contributions to society.
So here’s the son of a bus driver, someone who has faced relentless personal and professional attacks, now being recognised with one of the nation’s highest honours. But then came the backlash. A petition, started by a Conservative councillor, amassed over 200,000 signatures, accusing Khan of failure and undeserved recognition. This reflected the deeply polarised landscape where public figures are rarely judged fairly. Khan has had three consecutive and decisive mayoral wins (Picture: Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for Concordia Summit) Cllr Matthew Goodwin-Freeman, who launched the petition, said: ‘Sadiq Khan’s tenure as Mayor of London has devastated the city we love so much. Our once thriving capital is now divided and stagnant, and all under his watch. We’ve seen Khan continuously deflect responsibility and accountability, blaming everybody but himself.’ Goodwin-Freeman claimed Londoners were using this petition to hold Khan to account. Yet, Khan has had three consecutive and decisive mayoral wins – most recently in May 2024 with 43.8% of the vote, which equates to over a million people placing a cross next to his name in the ballot. Any discussion about Khan, his success and failures, has to be contextualise
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