London’s Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has come under criticism following remarks he made about his predecessor, Ken Livingstone. In an interview last week, Khan suggested that Livingstone “stayed in longer than he should have done,” a comment that has drawn attention given Khan’s own tenure. Livingstone served two terms totaling eight years, while Khan has now been in office for a decade and recently secured an unprecedented third term in 2024. There is currently no limit on the number of mayoral terms in London, and reports indicate Khan has expressed ambitions to serve six terms, potentially remaining in office until 2040. This possible 26-year tenure has drawn comparisons to Vladimir Putin’s lengthy rule.

Khan’s salary of £170,000 per year makes him the highest paid politician in the country. When asked about his future intentions, he declined to provide a definitive answer, although he has reportedly discussed long-term plans with close allies.

Elsewhere, James Roscoe’s recent sudden departure as deputy ambassador to Washington has raised questions within Whitehall. Roscoe was recently appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO) after arranging King Charles’s stay at the embassy during a recent visit, an honor typically awarded in such circumstances. This appointment echoes a similar gesture made by Queen Elizabeth II during her 1979 Gulf tour, when she humorously awarded the LVO honor to numerous ambassadors.

In other political developments, Labour MP Beccy Cooper has faced criticism for blocking dissenting voices on social media, which has led to the creation of a Facebook group titled “Blocked By Dr Beccy Cooper MP” by those barred from her accounts.

Separately, calls for Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey to step down have surfaced, with Colchester City Council leader David King urging the party to “take the time to look to the future,” describing the appeal as a polite suggestion that it is “time’s up” for Davey’s leadership.

In Parliament, Conservative MP Esther McVey publicly questioned the Prime Minister regarding Andy Burnham’s seemingly contradictory statements on the United Kingdom’s relationship with the European Union, asking whether the government aligns with Burnham’s pro-EU or anti-EU remarks.

Actor Martin Clunes made a light-hearted moment at the Goodwoof dog festival in West Sussex by jokingly distancing himself from the character of BBC newsreader Huw Edwards, which Clunes had portrayed in a recent drama.

Finally, attention has been drawn to Andy Burnham’s casual style, with reports indicating that if he returns to Westminster, he may need to adhere more strictly to dress codes enforced by Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, who reportedly requires men to wear ties to be called to speak. Former Conservative MP Sir Michael Fabricant also criticized Burnham’s rejection of establishment politics, noting Burnham’s long career within the political system, including roles as a Westminster aide and cabinet minister, contrasting this background with his public persona as an outsider.