CRITICS have slammed the decision to award Sadiq Khan a knighthood as a “reward for failure”.
The controversial London Mayor, 54, sparked fury after he was knighted by King Charles during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace earlier today.
PASir Sadiq, who has been Mayor of the capital since 2016, received the honour for political and public service[/caption]
ReutersHe told how he was “immensely proud” to receive the honour[/caption]
PABut critics fumed that the knighthood was a “reward for failure”[/caption]
Sir Sadiq, who has been Mayor of the capital since 2016, received the honour for political and public service.
Speaking after the ceremony, he said: “I have the pleasure of working closely with the King.
“We were just comparing who’s a bigger workaholic.
‘He was very chuffed that he was able to personally give me this honour.”
The former Labour MP for Tooting later added on social media: “The London promise. If you work hard, and get a helping hand, you can achieve anything.
‘It’s a truly humbling moment for myself and my family, and one that I hope inspires others to believe in the incredible opportunities that our great capital offers.
‘I’ll forever be honoured to serve the city that I love – and will continue to do all I can to build a fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous London for everyone.”
But Tories have hit back against the decision, claiming that the former Labour MP for Tooting has not done enough to tackle violent crime in London.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp fumed that Londoners would be “furious his track record of failure is being rewarded”.
During his time in office, the hated London Mayor has faced strong criticism over soaring knife crime, the housing crisis and his hugely unpopular Ulez scheme.
And he was accused of “rank hypocrisy” after it emerged his City Hall employs workers on zero hour contracts – despite Labour plans to ban them.
Neil Garratt, leader of the London Assembly Tories added: “Many are accusing the Government of rewarding Sadiq for failure — although with so many failures under his belt, it might be an accumulator award.
“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 Tory MP Anna Firth also joked that the people of London deserved the honour instead for “putting up with Sadiq Khan”.
Mr Khan, the first Muslim mayor of an EU capital, was elected for a record third term last year.
PAShadow Home Secretary Chris Philp claimed that Londoners would be “furious” about the decision[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
