Sadiq Khan sworn into House of Lords... despite calling for chamber's abolition just four years ago

Sadiq Khan has been sworn into the House of Lords after vowing to "bang the drum for London".

The London Mayor, who is considering a fourth City Hall run in 2028, officially joined the upper chamber earlier this afternoon.

The 55-year-old was accompanied by former Labour leader Lord Neil Kinnock and human rights lawyer Baroness Helena Kennedy.

During the swearing-in ceremony, Lord Khan said: “I, Sadiq, Lord Khan of Tooting, do swear by almighty God that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty, King Charles, his heirs and successors, according to law, so help me God.”

However, Lord Khan took his seat in the upper chamber just four years after calling for the abolition of the House of Lords.

The three-time London Mayor was involved in a fiery exchange with his Conservative City Hall sparring partner, Shaun Bailey, in 2022.

Taking aim at his 2021 election rival, Lord Khan said: "That exchange between Shaun Bailey and myself is proof, if it was ever needed, that we should abolish the House of Lords."

The Mayor of London, who earns £170,282 in City Hall, can now claim an allowance of £371 per day as a member of the upper chamber

Lord Khan insisted he was "truly honoured" to have been given a peerage and vowed to continue working “tirelessly” in the interests of Londoners.

He added: "This country and our capital city gave me the opportunity to go from a council estate to being Mayor of London, and I’m truly honoured to be given a peerage.

“I’ve always been motivated by public service, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far since I’ve been Mayor – from delivering free school meals for all state primary school pupils to cleaning London’s air, improving public transport, and providing opportunities for young people.

“My focus will continue to be on ensuring that all Londoners get the same shot at reaching their full potential that London gave to me and my family.

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“This means banging the drum for London as the greatest city in the world and continuing to work tirelessly to build a fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous city for everyone.”

The London Mayor was one of 26 people given a peerage by Sir Keir Starmer when the ex-Prime Minister left No10 in July.

Sir Keir described Lord Khan as a “brilliant mayor who has transformed London for the better”.

“He has cut violent crime to record lows, cleaned up the capital’s air, delivered the Elizabeth Line and got London building council homes again,” the Prime Minister added.

However, the announcement fuelled accusations of Labour hypocrisy after Sir Keir himself labelled the House of Lords "indefensible".

Speaking ahead of the last general election, Sir Keir said: "We want to abolish the House of Lords and replace it with an elected chamber."

He also claimed honours should be for "public service, not Tory cronies", with Labour claiming the Tories had been "stuffing" the red benches while in power.

Reform UK's City Hall candidate Laila Cunningham responded to Lord Khan's swearing-in ceremony by accusing the 55-year-old of hypocrisy.

She said: “Sadiq Khan wanted the House of Lords abolished.

“Now he’ll happily take a seat there as Lord Khan. What changed? Your principles, or your title? Isn’t being Mayor of London enough of a title for you? And will you now resign?”

Sources close to Lord Khan suggest the three-time London Mayor is plotting his fourth election campaign.

However, Labour MPs Dawn Butler and David Lammy have been rumoured to throw their hats into the ring if Lord Khan stands aside.

Ex-Foreign Secretary Sir James Cleverly, who resigned from the Shadow Cabinet last month, is also putting his name forward to stand for the Conservative Party.

However, a recent poll suggested Lord Khan would win an unprecedented fourth term if he stands for re-election.

The Savanta survey for the Mile End Institute found Labour's support dropped from 44 per cent to just 33 per cent.

Reform UK and the Conservatives were left level-pegging in joint second on 18 per cent, narrowly ahead of the Green Party on 17 per cent.