Sadiq Khan’s supporters have rushed to his aid after his critics slammed the decision to grant him a knighthood in the New Year Honours List for 2025. The first Muslim mayor of London – who won a historic third term in his post with a huge majority earlier this year – said he was “truly humbled” by the decision yesterday.

Sir Sadiq says he is "truly humbled" to receive the award but admits that there has been a mixed reaction from his family. He told the Comfort Eating podcast: “My mum is chuffed to bits, my kids think it’s a joke.

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.

Sadiq Khan has said his children think he has “sold out” by accepting a knighthood...

People in the capital give their reaction to the news that Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has been knighted in the New Year Honours. Sir Sadiq has been honoured for political and public service, having held the role of mayor since 2016.

If you are going to give gongs for public service, I guess a three-times elected London mayor ought to be a candidate. True, it is hard to see what particular achievements have earned Sadiq Khan

Sir Sadiq Khan’s knighthood has been described as “an insult” to the families of knife crime victims, with violent crime in London having risen sharply during his tenure as Mayor...

Syria celebrates 2025 with gunfire and fireworks after fall of Assad government London Mayor Sadiq Khan has brushed off criticism of his knighthood award in the New Year's Honours list. Use precise geolocation data.

London mayor Sadiq Khan ‘truly humbled’ to be knighted in New Year Honours list - He won a historic third term with a big majority in May.