Sadiq Khan's Knighthood Sparks Controversy Amid Criticism of His Leadership

[Social Media]

 

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been knighted in the New Year Honours, igniting fierce debate over whether his tenure warrants such recognition. Critics have labeled the honor as a "reward for failure," pointing to his controversial policies and perceived shortcomings during his time in office.  

 

Sadiq Khan, the former Labour MP for Tooting, became London’s first Muslim mayor in 2016 and was re-elected for a third term earlier this year, making history in the process. Despite this achievement, his leadership has been marred by significant criticism, particularly from Conservative figures who argue his policies have negatively impacted Londoners.  

 

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp highlighted sharp increases in knife crime, a housing crisis, and council tax hikes under Khan’s administration, saying, “Londoners have faced a 61 percent increase in knife crime, a housing crisis, and a 70 percent increase in council tax; they will rightly be furious his track record of failure is being rewarded.”  

 

Bob Blackman, Tory MP for Harrow East, was even more scathing in his remarks. “This is an absolute reward for failure,” he said. “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.” Blackman called the knighthood “a kick in the teeth for millions of Londoners,” criticizing Khan for refusing to take accountability for issues like crime, police mismanagement, and rising taxes.  

 

 

Under Khan’s tenure, London has been dubbed the “knife crime capital,” with reports citing a 38 percent rise in knife offenses since he took office. The Metropolitan Police Service and London Fire Brigade have both been placed under special measures during his leadership.

 

Khan’s policies, such as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), congestion charge increases, and Low Traffic Neighborhoods, have also drawn ire from drivers and businesses. While his administration claims ULEZ has nearly halved toxic air pollution in central London, critics argue the measures disproportionately impact ordinary Londoners.  

 

Supporters of Sir Sadiq, however, have defended his record, pointing to his historic third-term win and environmental achievements. They argue his policies, while divisive, have contributed to improved air quality in the city.  

 

The controversy surrounding Khan’s knighthood overshadowed a New Year Honours list intended to celebrate “unsung heroes.” Among the notable recipients were actor Stephen Fry, former England football manager Gareth Southgate, and authors Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Sir Kazuo Ishiguro.  

As the debate continues, Sir Sadiq Khan’s knighthood remains a contentious symbol of his complex and polarizing legacy as London’s mayor.

 

Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-01-02

 

 

 

[JonnyF]

It really makes a mockery of the honours system when people like Sadiq Khan and Emily Thornberry are knighted.

 

Not to mention Gareth Southgate, the BLM simping fool.

 

It's become a reward for failure and stupidity. 

 

[Purdey]

After eight years as mayor during a period of Tory government national control, I guess he must have done something right. 

[DaveBart]

Khan has managed to turn London into Londonstan,but hey he is protected by the woke brigade 

[jippytum]

If ever you doubted the honours system in the UK was a nonsense this Knighthood is proof. 

[diceman]

at least you can breathe fresh air whilst you're being mugged/stabbed by an illegal. joke honour for a joke 'mayor'

[billd766]

4 hours ago, Purdey said:

After eight years as mayor during a period of Tory government national control, I guess he must have done something right. 

If you guess he must have done something right,

 

Could you please explain what it might be?

[PETERTHEEATER]

Soon to be renamed Sir Sidiq Khant

[quake]

 

Just shows you, how far down the toilet the uk has gone.

 

[josephbloggs]

33 minutes ago, quake said:

 

Just shows you, how far down the toilet the uk has gone.

 

Ah, the Daily Mail is critical, I wonder why?

I have family in London, they are pretty happy with him (although they say he has a bit of an ego). He was elected by Londoners for a third term which is unprecedented. If London had gone "down the toilet" they would not have re-elected him. Again. The most successful mayor in history in terms of tenure.

But assuming you, Jonny, and your ilk don't actually live there - you just don't like him for obvious reasons that have nothing to do with his achievements. The only opinions that matter are those of Londoners, and they support him. End of story.

[Bkk Brian]

10 minutes ago, josephbloggs said:

Ah, the Daily Mail is critical, I wonder why?

I have family in London, they are pretty happy with him (although they say he has a bit of an ego). He was elected by Londoners for a third term which is unprecedented. If London had gone "down the toilet" they would not have re-elected him. Again. The most successful mayor in history in terms of tenure.

But assuming you, Jonny, and your ilk don't actually live there - you just don't like him for obvious reasons that have nothing to do with his achievements. The only opinions that matter are those of Londoners, and they support him. End of story.

I have family in London to. From the leftie Guardian, it appears it was not so much about what he did in London.

 

“Sadiq is bucking the trend and there’s a reason for that. He was very early in calling for a ceasefire. He is now supporting a suspension of arms sales, as long as it’s clear that international law has been breached. So he did what we should have done and reaped the electoral rewards for that.

https://www.theguardian.com/politics/article/2024/may/04/sadiq-khans-win-bucks-trend-of-muslim-voters-rejecting-labour-over-gaza-say-party-figures

 

 

[MalcolmB]

A good man doing a good job in difficult circumstances.

 

 

[Purdey]

18 hours ago, billd766 said:

If you guess he must have done something right,

 

Could you please explain what it might be?

OK.

Free school lunches expanded to seven-to-11-year-olds.

Froze many transport fares for a year - for the fifth time.

His environment policies were what got him the Green Party votes.

Ulez is putting an end to vehicle pollution. He can justifiably claim credit for improving the capital’s air quality and reducing the amount of toxic pollutants threatening the health of Londoners

Supported the planting of tens of thousands of trees

Record numbers of new council homes

Got The Superloop, the Night Tube and the Elizabeth Line all up and running, increasing convenience for Londoners.

The highly popular Hopper bus fare. The policy allows Londoners to make unlimited journeys on buses and trams for just £1.75 within an hour of tapping in.

More than 1,400 zero-emission buses on London’s roads

He created a 170% increase in the number of public electric vehicle charge points. London now has more than 11,000 — a third of the UK’s total. 

Increased training for unemployed youths

 

I think people who live in London, much like those who live in Bangkok, appreciate mayoral efforts to clean the place up. All these points can be googled.

[Nick Carter icp]

11 minutes ago, Purdey said:

OK.

Free school lunches expanded to seven-to-11-year-olds.

 

 

  There aint no thing such as a free lunch 

[billd766]

47 minutes ago, Purdey said:

OK.

Free school lunches expanded to seven-to-11-year-olds.

Froze many transport fares for a year - for the fifth time.

His environment policies were what got him the Green Party votes.

Ulez is putting an end to vehicle pollution. He can justifiably claim credit for improving the capital’s air quality and reducing the amount of toxic pollutants threatening the health of Londoners

Supported the planting of tens of thousands of trees

Record numbers of new council homes

Got The Superloop, the Night Tube and the Elizabeth Line all up and running, increasing convenience for Londoners.

The highly popular Hopper bus fare. The policy allows Londoners to make unlimited journeys on buses and trams for just £1.75 within an hour of tapping in.

More than 1,400 zero-emission buses on London’s roads

He created a 170% increase in the number of public electric vehicle charge points. London now has more than 11,000 — a third of the UK’s total. 

Increased training for unemployed youths

 

I think people who live in London, much like those who live in Bangkok, appreciate mayoral efforts to clean the place up. All these points can be googled.

Thank you for that.

 

However I don't think he did that alone.

 

As for free school lunches expanded to seven-to-11-year-olds, when I went to both Junior and Senior schools in the 1950s in Poole, I was on free school lunches back then, and that was 70 odd years ago.

 

Back in the 1950s and 60s there were apprenticeships.

 

So while he may be doing the right thing, he is a long way behind on other things.

 

And the people in Poole local council and also Dorset county council never got a mention, they also did not get elevated to a knighthood. They simply did their job.

[Purdey]

1 minute ago, billd766 said:

Thank you for that.

 

However I don't think he did that alone.

 

As for free school lunches expanded to seven-to-11-year-olds, when I went to both Junior and Senior schools in the 1950s in Poole, I was on free school lunches back then, and that was 70 odd years ago.

 

Back in the 1950s and 60s there were apprenticeships.

 

So while he may be doing the right thing, he is a long way behind on other things.

 

And the people in Poole local council and also Dorset county council never got a mention, they also did not get elevated to a knighthood. They simply did their job.

Clearly, comparing the present with 70 years ago is not relevant. 

[leonard beaven]

Just keeping up with America,any non native is entitled .

[billd766]

3 minutes ago, Purdey said:

Clearly, comparing the present with 70 years ago is not relevant. 

Of course it is.

 

What years do you use as a comparison?

[Anant72]

On 1/2/2025 at 8:33 AM, JonnyF said:

It really makes a mockery of the honours system when people like Sadiq Khan and Emily Thornberry are knighted.

 

Not to mention Gareth Southgate, the BLM simping fool.

 

It's become a reward for failure and stupidity. 

 

Same with the Légion d’”honneur” in France. It has become a trinket for retired politicians, has-been actors, rape-friendly rappers  and so forth. 

[JonnyF]

On 1/2/2025 at 12:11 PM, Purdey said:

After eight years as mayor during a period of Tory government national control, I guess he must have done something right. 

 

Politically speaking, yes.

 

He has turned London into a crime ridden, violent cesspit, full of the type of people who will re-elect him. 

[transam]

1 hour ago, leonard beaven said:

Just keeping up with America,any non native is entitled .

I thought America was made from non-native folk...😉

[Nick Carter icp]

2 hours ago, billd766 said:

 

As for free school lunches expanded to seven-to-11-year-olds, when I went to both Junior and Senior schools in the 1950s in Poole, I was on free school lunches back then, and that was 70 odd years ago.

 

 

   Was that free school lunches for the whole school or just for the poor families ?

   While I am in favour of poor kids getting free dinners , those who cannot afford them . 

   I do resent paying tax to feed other peoples kids whilst their parents spend their money on other things 

[Red Forever]

Looking forward to reading the frothing comments from AN’s rabid right wing posters.

 I wonder if they will acknowledge that the ULEZ policy was born during the Mayoralty of the disgraced former PM Johnson.

[Nick Carter icp]

4 hours ago, Purdey said:

Record numbers of new council homes

 

   I cannot believe that .

There were many Councils house going up in the 1950's and 60's

[Nick Carter icp]

4 hours ago, Purdey said:

Got The Superloop, the Night Tube and the Elizabeth Line all up and running,

 

   The superloop is just a bus route , not even a new bus route , it was called the X26 bus route previously and has been running for many years .

  The "Night tube" was announced 2 years prior to him becoming Mayor and the Elizabeth line was announced 11 years prior to him becoming mayor .

   He cannot claim responsibility for any of the above 

[sungod]

17 minutes ago, Red Forever said:

Looking forward to reading the frothing comments from AN’s rabid right wing posters.

 I wonder if they will acknowledge that the ULEZ policy was born during the Mayoralty of the disgraced former PM Johnson.

 

If this is all you got to offer, I'm certainly not looking forward to hearing dribble from the loony left!

[Purdey]

5 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Politically speaking, yes.

 

He has turned London into a crime ridden, violent cesspit, full of the type of people who will re-elect him. 

On a par with many large cities these days.

[josephbloggs]

8 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

Politically speaking, yes.

 

He has turned London into a crime ridden, violent cesspit, full of the type of people who will re-elect him. 

Ah, he's filled it full of Londoners I see, you know, the people who re-elect him - constantly. Impressive move by Sadiq to fill London full of Londoners if that's what you say he's done, amazing.