A political firestorm has erupted following reports that London Mayor Sadiq Khan is set to receive a knighthood, with Reform UK MP Lee Anderson launching a blistering live televised attack on the Mayor’s record. The controversy intensifies longstanding criticisms over crime, policing, and Khan’s leadership, casting a shadow over the potential royal honor.
Anderson, who defected to Reform after being suspended from the Conservative Party for refusing to apologize for comments accusing Khan of being controlled by Islamists, doubled down on his critique. In a fiery segment, he challenged the Mayor’s authority, asking, “Who’s in control? Is it Sadiq Khan and the Metropolitan Police or the people on the street?”
The Reform MP directly linked his political ascent to his criticism of the Mayor, telling an audience, “I became the Reform UK’s first ever member of parliament… just after a few supposedly controversial comments I made about Mayor Khan.” He declared he would “never apologize to that man,” whom he accused of having “given our capital city away.”
This clash comes amid reports from outlets like the Financial Times that Khan is on the preliminary list for a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours. The potential recognition follows his historic third term as London’s first Muslim mayor. The list requires approval from both King Charles and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with the government declining to comment.
Anderson’s broadside focused heavily on crime statistics, claiming violent crime has risen 30% under Khan’s tenure. “Overall, crime up by 21%, violent crime 35%, homicides 5%, knife crime 54%. Sexual offenses 51%,” he stated, arguing it is Khan who should “be apologizing to the people of London.”
The Mayor’s financial policies also came under assault. Anderson highlighted a 71% rise in the Mayor’s precept—a charge on council tax—since 2016, questioning where the funds are going. He further cited data showing over one million fines issued in the expanded Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in just over a year, calling it a “hidden tax.”
In a pointed personal critique, Anderson seized on Khan’s own past admission of not feeling safe in London. “He’s got bodyguards, an armored car, 24-hour security, and he oversees the Met Police. Yet he still doesn’t feel safe,” Anderson stated, framing it as a damning indictment of his leadership.
Khan has previously condemned Anderson’s remarks as “clearly Islamophobic, anti-Muslim, and racist.” Following the initial comments, a Conservative spokesperson confirmed Anderson was suspended for refusing to apologize, with Khan stating the episode showed the party was “playing on people’s fears.”
The Mayor has defended his record, arguing precept rises were necessary due to government cuts and pointing to initiatives like funding 500 additional community support officers. However, Anderson and other critics maintain these measures have failed to curb a perceived decline in safety and order.
This explosive confrontation ensures the debate over Khan’s legacy and his suitability for a knighthood will dominate political discourse in the coming days. With Anderson firmly positioning Reform UK as an opposition force on London’s governance, the capital’s political divides appear sharper than ever.
