Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, was sworn into the House of Lords on Tuesday, February 21, 2026, according to the Evening Standard. During the ceremony, Khan took the oath of allegiance to King Charles III, his heirs, and successors, swearing by almighty God that he would be faithful and bear true allegiance according to law. The Evening Standard reported that he was accompanied by former Labour leader Lord Kinnock and human rights lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy of the Shaws.
Khan's swearing-in ceremony marked a significant transition in his political career. The BBC noted that he has become a peer for the area of London in which he was born, a symbolic gesture that underscores his connection to the city. After taking the oath, Lord Khan signed the roll, a traditional procedure for new peers, as reported by the BBC.
Khan's appointment to the House of Lords comes four years after he publicly called for the abolition of the upper chamber. In a statement to the Evening Standard, Khan expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the House of Lords, saying, "This country and our capital city gave me the opportunity to go from a council estate to being Mayor of London, and I’m truly honoured to be given a peerage." He has been Mayor of London since 2016, a position he held for a decade, and is now a Labour member of the House of Lords.
Prior to his political career, Khan worked as a solicitor specializing in human rights law, as noted by the BBC. He also served as a transport minister under Gordon Brown, further establishing his credentials in public service and policy-making. His diverse background and extensive experience make him a prominent figure in British politics, particularly within the Labour Party.