The Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan celebrated his birthday on board a £268million superyacht in the heart of London, according to reports.
Sir Sadiq is understood to have marked his 55th birthday with a private celebration on the huge vessel anchored near London Bridge and was hosted by billionaire Fulham FC owner Shahid Khan.
The mayor’s appearance on one of the extravagant superyachts has been criticised by his rivals in City Hall, with one insider suggesting to the Express that it was inappropriate.
American-Pakistani businessman Shahid Khan is a friend of Sir Sadiq’s and is estimated to be worth over $13billion.
Alongside Fulham FC, the 75-year-old also owns NFL team the Jacksonville Jaguars.
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London told the Standard: “Sadiq attended a private event hosted by Shad who is a friend” and explained all hospitality received by Sir Sadiq will be “fully and transparently declared”.
Shahid Khan’s yacht, the Kismet, is one of the most luxurious boats in the world.
According to a listing by Yacht Charter Fleet, the 122-metre-long vessel has its own swimming pool, helipad, spa, outdoor cinema and even a submarine.
Sir Sadiq’s allies told the Express that his birthday party was a private gathering and pointed out that the Mayor has long supported London’s role as a sporting capital of the world, something which his billionaire host Mr Khan agrees with.
The billionaire previously tried to buy Wembley Stadium and the Jacksonville Jaguars regularly play games in London.
They will once again play at Wembley against the LA Rams on Sunday. It will be the 14th match the Jaguars have played in London since Mr Khan’s takeover of the franchise.
Meanwhile, Sir Sadiq has previously called for the Super Bowl to be held in London to help secure the city’s status as the sporting capital of the world.
