Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner introduces a bill that could prevent Sadiq Khan from returning to the UK Parliament while serving as London mayor, amid intra-party rivalry and political manoeuvres shaping London’s governance.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has advanced a legislative move that could effectively prevent Sadiq Khan, the current Mayor of London, from returning to the UK Parliament as a Member of Parliament (MP) while still serving as mayor. The Bill, known as the English Devolution Bill, proposes to amend the Greater London Authority Act of 1999 by disqualifying any individual from holding the mayoralty if they concurrently serve as an MP. This initiative aims to ensure that officeholders can fully focus on their local responsibilities by prohibiting dual mandates, a practice previously allowed and politically utilised by Boris Johnson, Khan’s predecessor, who served simultaneously as Mayor of London and MP before ascending to the Conservative party leadership.
Rayner’s department spokesperson emphasised that the changes would align the rules so that all mayors, including those of other cities, would be required to concentrate on their substantial local duties without the distraction of parliamentary roles. While framed as a measure to improve governance, the Bill notably closes off Khan’s most direct and politically significant path back to Westminster ahead of the next general election—a move critics argue is politically motivated. A Tory strategist quoted by The Telegraph dismissed the legislation as a manoeuvre to undermine potential leadership rivals within Labour, accusing Rayner of prioritising party tactics over national interests.
Sadiq Khan, who secured his third term as London Mayor in May and is widely expected to serve his final term, first entered Parliament in 2005 representing Tooting. His career trajectory has invited frequent comparisons to Boris Johnson, who also transitioned from MP to Mayor of London and back to Parliament before becoming Prime Minister. Although Khan has publicly denied ambitions to lead the Labour Party or return to the Commons, political commentators note that such denials are often tactical.
Beyond the immediate implications of Rayner’s Bill, Khan’s mayoralty has been marked by significant policy initiatives and controversial battles over the extent of his powers. Since taking office in 2016, Khan has pursued an ambitious agenda to transform London’s environment and social landscape, including plans for a greener city with initiatives like the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone and expanded public transportation networks to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. These efforts have earned him both praise and criticism, with some sectors balking at the cost and scale of his plans.
Khan has also faced challenges managing industrial relations, illustrated by a higher number of strike days on Transport for London (TfL) under his administration compared to Johnson’s tenure. Moreover, relations between City Hall and Whitehall have been strained, with critics alleging a concerted effort by the UK government to curtail the mayor’s authority over key areas such as transport, policing, and housing. Some observers perceive these tensions as a residue of political rivalries and ideological differences, intensified by the legacy of Boris Johnson’s mayoralty and his subsequent national political role.
The backdrop to Rayner’s legislative move is a Labour Party factional context in which she herself has been linked to future leadership ambitions. Alongside this, she has been involved in other political strategies, including reopening electoral loopholes that could influence Labour’s standing in marginal seats. The broader picture is one of intense intra-party competition, with key figures jockeying for position amid ongoing debates about the party’s direction and strategy.
While the Daily Mail approached Khan for comment on the Bill, no response was immediately provided. The legislation, once passed, is set to reshape the political landscape by legally compelling mayors to choose between their executive local role and a parliamentary career, thus entrenching the divide between local and national political ambitions.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments regarding Angela Rayner’s legislative move to prevent Sadiq Khan from returning to Parliament while serving as Mayor of London. The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill was introduced on 10 July 2025, and the article was published on 23 August 2025, indicating timely reporting. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Devolution_and_Community_Empowerment_Bill?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The article includes direct quotes attributed to a Tory strategist and a department spokesperson. However, without access to the original sources, it’s challenging to verify the authenticity and context of these quotes. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Devolution_and_Community_Empowerment_Bill?utm_source=openai))
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a publication known for sensationalist reporting. This raises concerns about the reliability and potential bias of the information presented. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Devolution_and_Community_Empowerment_Bill?utm_source=openai))
Plausability check
Score:
7
Notes:
The claims about the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill and its implications for Sadiq Khan’s political future are plausible and align with known legislative activities. However, the article’s tone and framing may be influenced by the publication’s editorial stance. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Devolution_and_Community_Empowerment_Bill?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents timely information about Angela Rayner’s legislative move and its potential impact on Sadiq Khan’s political career. However, the reliance on a publication with a history of sensationalism and the inability to verify certain quotes raise concerns about the overall credibility of the report. Further verification from more reputable sources is recommended.
