Sir Sadiq Khan has accepted a pay rise of £5,281, raising his annual salary from £165,001 to £170,282, a move that makes him the highest-paid politician in the UK. The increase of 3.2% follows the local government settlement, and is based on recommendations from an independent panel, ensuring impartiality in its determination.

The mayor’s salary increase, linked to the wider local government settlement, specifically sees him out-earning Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer by almost £1,000. The Prime Minister’s total earnings, combining his pay as an MP and his ministerial salary, stand at £169,344 under current entitlements. In the event that Sir Keir were to claim his full ministerial allowance the figure would be higher, but as it stands the London Mayor’s new salary just edges it.

The 3.2 per cent increase is part of the local government pay settlement, proposed by an independent review last year. According to City Hall sources,

“Following an independent review last year, the Greater London Authority has a uniform process in place to determine annual salary increases for the Mayor and London Assembly members for the duration of this term.”

Further comment elaborates,

“This ensures that any potential pay increases are determined in an impartial, fair and simple way, linked to the local government pay settlement. This is independent of the Mayor and the GLA and in line with long-standing practice.”

Along with the pay rise for Sir Sadiq, City Hall staffing has grown by nine per cent in the past year, reaching nearly 1,615 people, including agency staff. Many of these roles are in strategy and communications, good growth, housing and land, helping to deliver on promises around skills, health and emergency response.

Some salaries among these staff are significant, with hundreds earning £80,000 or more, and dozens exceeding six figures. At the same time London Assembly members now receive a basic salary of £66,390, while the chair of the Assembly is paid £79,617.

Emma Best, deputy leader of the City Hall Conservatives, has voiced dissatisfaction, arguing that many Londoners will be “infuriated to learn of the increase in City Hall staff at a time the number of police stations open to the public is being slashed.” She said:

“The concept of value for money is alien in Khan’s City Hall as he continues his out-of-control expansion.”

Supporters of the mayor stress that the expanded staff and increased responsibilities reflect his growing remit since first taking office, including new powers in health, housing, skills and emergency planning. They argue the pay rise aligns with the broader local government system and is justified by the increased workload and challenges faced.