SADIQ Khan’s rumoured knighthood was yesterday blasted as a gong for failure by furious Tories.
London’s Labour Mayor is expected to bag the honour in the New Year’s list for his political and public service.
During his time in City Hall, he has faced fierce criticism over soaring knife crime, a housing crisis, and his expansion of the hated Ulez scheme.
Neil Garratt, who leads the London Assembly Tories, expressed his frustration by stating, “Many feel that the Government is rewarding Sadiq for his failures — and with numerous unsuccessful ventures, it almost seems like an accumulation of awards.
“Or it might be (Sir Keir) Starmer rewarding the Mayor for no longer demanding things for London, after months of snubbing him into submission.”
Former Conservative Member of Parliament, Anna Firth, also criticized the situation, saying, “Let’s be completely clear, it is the citizens of London who truly deserve recognition for enduring Sadiq Khan’s leadership.”
Mr Khan, the first Muslim mayor of an EU capital, was elected for a record third term in May.
He has been a Labour politician for more than 20 years, including as a minister under former PM Gordon Brown.
Further controversy surrounded the Mayor as Khan’s Transport for London proposed a condensed four-day workweek for Tube operators in an attempt to prevent strike actions.
Union Aslef says members will work 35 hours a week — two and a half fewer than their current deal — and get a 3.8 per cent pay rise.
