Sadiq Khan celebrates birthday on Pakistani billionaire's £268m superyacht

Sir Sadiq attended the private gathering hosted by the billionaire businessman, whom a City Hall spokesman described as a "friend" of the Labour mayor.

Mr Khan made his fortune with the American car parts manufacturer Flex-N-Gate and is worth an estimated £10billion.

The yacht features extraordinary amenities including an onboard nightclub, swimming pool, helipad, full-service spa, sauna and gym.

It requires 36 crew members and can be chartered for £2.6million weekly.

A submarine is also among the yacht's facilities, whilst a sculpted jaguar adorns the bow, referencing the owner's Jacksonville Jaguars NFL team.

German shipbuilder Lürssen Yachts created the design for this floating palace.

Sir Sadiq , who turned 55 on October 8, was accused of having "no shame" for "rubbing shoulders with billionaires on yachts.

Tory member of the London Assembly Niel Garratt told The Telegraph: "As Londoners watch our economy being washed away under Labour’s disastrous handling of our finances, and the cost of living biting hard as we head into winter, Khan is rubbing shoulders with billionaires on yachts.

"It’s always the same with socialism, the party officials swan about in luxury whilst the workers they claim to represent have their lives made worse.

"Has he no shame? And what does his billionaire mate expect in return?"

The event, which took place as the ship was docked near London Bridge, is expected to be declared on the Mayor’s register of gifts and hospitality.

A spokesman for the Mayor's office said: "Sadiq attended a private event hosted by Shad, who is a friend."

Labour has come under fire for accepting donations from billionaire backers, including Lord Alli.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently repaid over £6,000 worth of gifts received during his initial months at Downing Street, including Taylor Swift concert tickets at Wembley, following public criticism.

Sir Sadiq faces ongoing challenges in his third mayoral term, with critics highlighting rising crime rates, Underground graffiti, and a doubling of rough sleeping since 2021.

His ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) expansion has also sparked controversy among motorists.

New reports suggest that the scheme to pedestrianise Oxford Street could be fast-tracked, allowing traffic to be rerouted earlier than originally expected.

Subject to a consultation, the first phase of the pedestrianisation could take place in spring next year, with Sir Sadiq previously speaking of his goal to pedestrianise Oxford Street by the end of his third term in May 2028.

The Mayor came under fire after being asked last week by London Assembly Member Susan Hall: "Do you think screaming ‘from the river to the sea’ is antisemitic?"

Sir Sadiq responded: "I don’t think it’s antisemitic...I think it’s all about context.”

When Sir Keir was pressed that his answer contradicted that of the London Mayor, the Prime Minister responded: "I take a strong view on this, and we've dealt with cases in my own party where people have used that expression and we've taken action against them."