London’s First Muslim Mayor Sadiq Khan Becomes Member of House of Lords

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has taken the oath as a member of the House of Lords, the upper house of the UK Parliament. He will now be known as ‘Lord Khan of Tooting’. At the same time, he will continue serving as mayor of London.

On Tuesday (September 15), Sadiq Khan was sworn in at the House of Lords alongside new Labour Party member Lord Roberto Neri. The traditional swearing-in ceremony was held in the presence of family members and several Labour MPs from London.

Sadiq Khan’s peerage title was named after Tooting, his birthplace. He served as an MP for the area in south London for 11 years. Before entering politics, he worked as a human rights lawyer. He later served as a junior transport minister in former Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s government.

Sadiq Khan was first elected mayor of London in 2016. Since the current mayoral system was introduced in 2000, he has served as the city’s longest-serving mayor. His current term will end in 2028.

Sadiq Khan is London’s first Muslim mayor. During his tenure, he has highlighted initiatives including free school meals, improvements to public transport, reducing air pollution and creating opportunities for young people.

Despite becoming a member of the House of Lords, Sadiq Khan does not have to step down as London mayor. He can serve simultaneously as mayor and a life peer. As a member of the House of Lords, he said he would continue working in London’s interests.

However, his new role has sparked political debate because he had previously expressed support for abolishing the current structure of the House of Lords. After becoming a lord, he will now participate in the proceedings of the British Parliament as a member of the upper house.

Source: BBC