Sadiq Khan is the last person that should get a knighthood
With Mayor of London Sadiq Khan belatedly dubbed a knight today, the integrity of the honours system will be questioned by many.
Part of me recognises the significance of an unapologetically pro-Islam monarch knighting a Muslim mayor of London. And there is no doubt that Khan has shattered his fair share of glass ceilings. Indeed, he embodies the story of social mobility in many of Britain's traditional ethnic-minority communities. Born in south London to a Pakistani family, his father worked as a bus driver and his mother a seamstress. He completed a law degree and went on to establish himself as a successful solicitor.
Following his election as the MP for Tooting in the 2005 general election, The Spectator named Khan as 'Newcomer of the Year' at its Parliamentarian of the Year awards. Khan was reportedly singled out by the judges 'for the tough-mindedness and clarity with which he has spoken about the very difficult issues of Islamic terror'.
The Mayor of London could have implemented an agenda in keeping with his own background – a wholesome working-class traditionalism focused on family values, the dignity of work, social mobility, and public security.
Instead, he converted himself into an opportunistic purveyor of identity politics. He appears to be more interested in public relations and international showboating, having regularly scrapped with American president Donald Trump, as well as wading into issues such as the US Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v Wade.
One could be forgiven for wondering how Khan even has the time to waste on antagonising diplomatic allies and debating abortion rights across the pond. London continues to be plagued by youth knife crime – especially in areas where the fatherlessness epidemic is being exploited by predatory violent gangs. Political conflicts and sectarian tensions from various parts of the world have been imported, yet we continue to hear empty platitudes from Khan on London's 'rich diversity' and 'vibrant cosmopolitanism'.
Keeping our streets safe should be at the very heart of political and public service. Khan has failed spectacularly at this basic task. The honours system all too often rewards mediocrity in public office. Khan is just one of many eyebrow-raising choices we have seen in recent decades.
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