A prominent Royal Historian has launched a scathing attack on the decision to knight London Mayor Sadiq Khan in the New Year Honours list.
Alexander Larman told GB News that Khan’s knighthood was particularly striking as an example of “tokenism at large.”
“I don’t know what he’s been knighted for. I don’t know what he’s done to merit this honour, because crime is going up in London, he’s been a terrible Mayor,” Larman said.
The historian suggested Khan’s electoral success was due to weak opposition rather than merit.
Larman has blasted the knighthood of London Mayor Sadiq Khan, claiming he has been a ‘terrible Mayor’
PA
“The only reason why he’s kept winning is because his Conservative opponents have been so useless,” he added.
Larman questioned whether the honour was appropriate given London’s ongoing challenges.
“Maybe next time that you see an incident of knife crime, or the next time you’re on a delayed tube… you’ll think, he’s been knighted now, so that’s all right, isn’t it?” he said.
Sir Sadiq Khan has been awarded the knighthood in the New Year Honours list following his record third term as London Mayor.
PA
The Mayor said he was “truly humbled” to receive the honour.
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Larman’s criticism extended beyond Khan to the broader honours list, which he called “fairly terrible.”
The historian suggested many honours felt arbitrary rather than merit-based. “There isn’t a real sense of people deserving it,” he told GB News.
He expressed surprise at certain omissions from the honours list, particularly David Beckham.
“I’m continually surprised that David Beckham has not been recognised, because probably no man has done more for British sport than David Beckham,” Larman said.
Alexander Larman told GB News that David Beckham should be been considered for a knighthood
GB News
He noted Beckham’s diplomatic efforts, including attending a state banquet with the Emir of Qatar.
“He’s done a huge amount as an ambassador for his country, and the knighthood is not coming,” Larman added.
“And you think, well, if Sir Sadiq and Sir Stephen Fry can step up, why not Sir David Beckham?”
Khan has pledged to continue his work for the capital, stating: “It’s the honour of my life to serve the city I love and I will continue to build the fairer, safer, greener and more prosperous London that all of the capital’s communities deserve.”
