Sadiq Khan’s knighthood sparks outrage amid claims of ‘reward for failure’

Sadiq Khan has been handed a knighthood in the New Year Honours, igniting a storm of criticism over what some are calling a ‘reward for failure’.

The Mayor of London, formerly a Labour MP, received the accolade in the first round of honours since Keir Starmer became Prime Minister.

But an online petition against the gong is quickly gathering signatures – racking up more than 70,000 names in 48 hours.

It now stands at 208,000 signatures with more people objecting signing up every minute.

‘Track record of failure’

Prominent Conservatives have slammed the knighthood decision, highlighting Khan’s ‘track record of failure’ in London.

They point to his handling of knife crime, significant increases in council tax, congestion charges and emissions levies.

Mr Khan is also a strong proponent of imposing rent controls on landlords in the capital.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “Under Sadiq Khan, Londoners have faced a 61% increase in knife crime, a housing crisis and a 70% increase in council tax; they will rightly be furious his track record of failure is being rewarded.”

‘Absolute reward for failure’

Bob Blackman, the Tory MP for Harrow East, told the Daily Mail: “This is an absolute reward for failure. He is a disaster in London. If you look at every single target he’s set himself – on housing, on crime – he’s missed them every time. He is a total failure, which is clearly a position he has in common with the Government.”

Earlier this month, the prospect of Sir Sadiq receiving a knighthood led to a Change.org petition being initiated by Tory London councillor Matthew Goodwin-Freeman.

He said: “To see Sadiq Khan be given a knighthood is a kick in the teeth for millions of Londoners. He refuses to take responsibility for his failures and shows no remorse or accountability.

“His track record of failure makes his knighthood even more confusing: crime is up, police in special measures, fire brigade in special measures, his share of council tax is up, the number of days of strikes is up, robberies are up… He’s a nightmare, not a knighted Mayor.”

London labelled the ‘knife crime capital’

Mr Khan, formerly the Labour MP for Tooting in south London, became the Mayor of London in 2016, making history as the first Muslim mayor of any European capital.

On social media, he said: “I couldn’t have dreamed when growing up on a council estate in south London that I’d one day be Mayor of London. It’s the honour of my life to serve the city I love.”

He was re-elected in 2021 and secured a third term earlier this year.

During his tenure at City Hall, London has been labelled the ‘knife crime capital’, with the Metropolitan Police being placed under special measures.

He has faced accusations of ‘losing control’ over crime, with knife offences reportedly increasing by 38% since he took office.

Not met house-building targets

The mayor has also sparked controversy among drivers with initiatives such as low traffic neighbourhoods, the Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez), and higher congestion charges, alongside public transport fare hikes.

Critics argue he has not met house-building targets, although construction is now underway on more new council homes than at any time since the 1970s.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy congratulated Sir Sadiq, expressing pride that the UK is ‘a place where you can go from being the son of a bus driver’ to becoming a knight of the realm.

He also highlighted the mayor’s efforts to improve air quality, increase council housing and provide free school meals.

The Change.org petition, Stop the Knighthood of Sadiq Khan!, is still racking up signatures.

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