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Sir Keir Starmer is set to offer a peerage to Sir Sadiq Khan after the May elections, according to reports. The Prime Minister is said to be looking to firm up his position with the move as the London Mayor is one of his most high-profile Labour critics.

It would allow Sir Sadiq to take a role in Sir Keir’s Cabinet. It comes as Labour faces a drubbing at the local elections amid speculation that MPs could attempt to oust the embattled Prime Minister.

A source told the Financial Times that the move would help Sir Keir “shore up his position with patronage” after the crunch ballots.

They added that it would also show that the Prime Minister can handle opposition and wants to make use of all talent within the party.

An ally of Sir Sadiq said that peerages are a matter for the Government.

They added that he “is completely focused on the job of delivering for Londoners”.

But Sir Keir is likely to come under criticism if he appoints a spate of new peers.

The Prime Minister has already appointed more peers than any of his four predecessors despite pledging to abolish the House of Lords.

Sir Sadiq was elected for a record third term as London Mayor in 2024 and has not ruled out running for a fourth term.

Speaking in February, he told LBC: “I’ve got the best job in politics. I’m thoroughly enjoying being the Mayor because I can deliver on the London promise that you work hard, you get a helping hand, you can achieve anything.

“I’ve worked really hard to make the city fairer, greener, safer, more prosperous and healthy. As long as I can deliver, I will carry on doing so.”

Sir Sadiq’s office declined to comment. A government spokesperson said: “This is speculation.”