22. Sir Sadiq Khan
The People’s Mayor
Sadiq Khan has made history more than once: first as Britain’s most senior Muslim politician, then as London’s first Muslim Mayor, and now as a knighted statesman admired worldwide. Born in Tooting, South London, in 1970, the son of a Pakistani bus driver and a seamstress, Khan’s story is one of resilience, opportunity, and service.
Trained as a human rights lawyer, he entered politics in 2005 as MP for Tooting, quickly rising through Labour’s ranks. In 2016, he was elected Mayor of London, defeating Boris Johnson’s protégé Zac Goldsmith. His victory was historic, but it was also deeply personal: a working-class Londoner representing the city he grew up in.
As Mayor, Khan has championed affordable housing, public transport, and clean air initiatives. His Ultra Low Emission Zone policy has been a landmark environmental measure, making London a global leader in tackling pollution. He has also overseen major cultural and sporting events, ensuring the capital remains one of the world’s great cities.
Knighted in 2024, Sir Sadiq Khan is recognised not only for his achievements but for his perseverance in the face of adversity. Despite facing hostility and prejudice, he has remained calm, dignified, and focused on improving lives.
Khan’s story is one of hope: proof that politics can deliver opportunity, and that representation matters. He is both a proud Londoner and a global symbol of progress.
