Sadiq Khan to receive KNIGHTHOOD for ‘political and public service’ in Starmer’s first New Year honours list

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is set for a knighthood in Sir Keir Starmer’s first New Year honours as Prime Minister.

Alongside the Mayor, some of Labour’s top brass including Emily Thornberry are understood to be in line for gongs heading into 2025, according to the Financial Times.

Khan will receive his award for “political and public service” after almost two decades in frontline politics, people briefed on the honours list told the newspaper.

And Thornberry, the Islington South & Finsbury MP controversially dropped from the Labour Shadow Cabinet when the party won summer’s General Election, will be made a Dame, Whitehall insiders said.

More big names reported to be on the list include:

• Former Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt;
• Former West Midlands Mayor Andy Street;
• Three-time former Schools Minister Nick Gibb;
• Former Housing Minister Marcus Jones;
• Former Environment Secretary Ranil Jayawardena.

Though one source stressed that the draft document is yet to receive a final sign-off from Starmer or King Charles III – in whose name the honours are conferred.

More to follow…