Burnley Mayor becomes youngest ever opposition peer in House of Lords

Coun. Wajid Khan's appointment was announced by the Prime Minister's Office yesterday.

He was nominated for the honour by the leader of the Labour Party, Sir Keir Starmer.

Coun. Khan (41) becomes the youngest opposition peer in the House of Lords, and is also the borough's first Peer since Willis Jackson was appointed Baron Jackson of Burnley in 1967.

His official title will be decided shortly.

Coun. Khan, who is the borough's youngest ever Mayor, said: "This is the greatest honour. It's not something I had even considered but to be put forward as a life peer and to serve in the House of Lords is the pinnacle of my long and varied political career.

"Not only is it a personal honour, but it's also a testament to the support I have had from my family and from the residents of our borough. This is a very proud day for me.

"I plan to continue my fight to champion the causes closest to my heart - human rights, workers' rights, gender equality, and climate change.

"I still hold fast to my firm belief that the House of Lords should be an elected chamber but I'm a political 'animal' and, as such, I think it's right that I should accept this honour and continue my fight from within, serving my local community and my country with energy and enthusiasm as I always have."