London Mayor Sadiq Khan has been given a knighthood by King Charles during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, a major honour that officially makes him “Sir Sadiq Khan.” While Khan said he felt deeply honored and thankful, the decision has sparked outrage from some critics.
Speaking on GB News, former mayoral candidate Howard Cox didn’t hold back his anger. He said seeing Khan receive such a prestigious award made him feel “physically sick.” Cox insisted Khan didn’t deserve the honour, accusing him of damaging London instead of helping it.
According to Cox, Khan’s time as Mayor has seen increases in crime, and he believes the city’s roads and economy have worsened under Khan’s leadership. He even went as far as calling him “anti-British” and suggested that Khan ignored public opinion on several important matters, like the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), despite strong opposition.
Khan, on the other hand, described the knighthood as meaningful for his family, especially considering his background as the son of Pakistani immigrants. He said it was a proud moment, not just for him, but also as a symbol of how public service is valued and recognized.
Cox also mentioned that a builder working in his home was shocked by the news and used inappropriate language upon hearing it. He added that people who truly deserve recognition—like volunteers and everyday citizens working hard for their communities—are often ignored, while politicians like Khan are awarded honours just for being in office.
When asked whether politicians should receive honours at all, Cox said he doesn’t fully support banning them, but he strongly feels that awards should only go to people who go above and beyond, especially unpaid volunteers. He stressed that doing a job you’re paid for shouldn’t automatically come with an award, especially if the person hasn’t made a real positive difference.
Despite the controversy, the knighthood for Sadiq Khan stands, and while some see it as a powerful symbol of public service and immigrant success, others view it as an undeserved reward.
