3 days ago
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'.
In his role, 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 identitarian opportunist. 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 thinking how Khan even has the time to waste on antagonising diplomatic allies and interfering in 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. It has imported political conflicts and sectarian tensions from various parts of the world, and yet we continue to hear empty platitudes from Khan on London's 'rich diversity' and 'vibrant cosmopolitanism'.
If at the heart of political and public service is tackling the hard issues – especially those relating to matters of law and order – then Khan has failed spectacularly. Knighting him on these grounds only serves to expose the shambolic nature of the honours system.
But Khan is just one of many of the eyebrow-raising choices we have seen in recent times under an honours system which all too often rewards mediocrity in public office.
