The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has been tipped for a knighthood in the New Year honours list, Whitehall insiders are reported to have said.
The long-standing Mayor, who was elected for a third term in May, is expected to receive the gong for his political and public service, having previously served as the MP for Tooting before he left the Commons in 2016.
Mr Khan is one of a number of Labour veterans expected to receive top honours - including Islington South MP Emily Thornberry, the Financial Times writes.
Ms Thornberry is set to receive a damehood despite being dropped from Sir Keir Starmer’s front bench when Labour entered government in the summer.
Another recipient is set to be New Labour-era health secretary Patricia Hewitt.
Andy Street, the former West Midlands mayor who was defeated in the local elections in May, when Mr Khan won a historic third term, is one of several Conservative politicians who may receive a knighthood.
A source stressed to the FT that a draft document of honours had yet to receive final sign-off from the Prime Minister or King Charles.
The newspaper reports that the government is positioned to issue a fresh list of political peerages in the coming wees, which are likely to coincide with the New Year honours.
The honours are expected to include Sir Keir’s former chief of staff Sue Gray.
Sue Gray quit as Downing Street chief of staff, citing fears she was “becoming a distraction” to Sir Keir Starmer’s government in October.
The partygate report author has been a high-profile figure in Sir Keir’s top team since she was appointed as chief while Labour were in opposition last year.
But Number 10 quickly became plagued by reports of infighting, as rows over Ms Gray’s salary and Government freebies dominated the headlines.
A selection of ex-Labour MPs who stepped down ahead of the July General Election to make way for new talent are expected to enter the House of Lords too.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is yet to submit his resignation peerages list, according to reports.
But Tory insiders think former cabinet ministers Michael Gove, Simon Hart and Alister Jack will be included.
A representative for Khan declined to comment to the FT.
Individuals would not necessarily know if they are on the New Year honours list, for which anyone can nominate another person.
