As Keir Starmer prepares to vacate the role of Prime Minister, speculation mounts over his intentions regarding resignation honours. Just over ten days before he hands the reins to Andy Burnham, Starmer has left the door open for a potentially contentious honours list, despite previously criticising similar practices during Rishi Sunak’s premiership.
A Shift in Stance
In a striking twist, Starmer has indicated he may consider issuing resignation honours, contradicting earlier promises made during his tenure as opposition leader. In 2023, he vehemently opposed Rishi Sunak’s decision to allow Boris Johnson to bestow knighthoods and other awards to close allies, labelling the practice “difficult to justify” given the controversies surrounding Johnson’s departure.
At that time, Starmer asserted, “No. There are other opportunities … Tony Blair didn’t have a resignation list. It’s very hard to justify … There are other avenues for that and I think it’s easier to be clear about this and simply say, no, I wouldn’t do it.”
However, when pressed about his commitment to eschew a similar list ahead of his imminent resignation, Starmer responded ambiguously: “We’ll look at that in the usual course of things.” This shift has raised eyebrows and ignited debate within political circles.
The Tradition of Resignation Honours
Traditionally, outgoing prime ministers are entitled to nominate individuals for honours after leaving Downing Street. However, these nominations require approval from their successor and the House of Lords appointments commission. The issue has become particularly controversial in the wake of recent political turbulence, with Liz Truss receiving a resignation honours list from Sunak despite her turbulent tenure lasting only 49 days, a decision that faced significant backlash.
Moreover, Sunak’s approval of Johnson’s resignation honours list—comprising over 40 names while a parliamentary inquiry into whether Johnson misled the Commons remained unresolved—has only intensified public scrutiny regarding the integrity of the honours system.
The Leadership Transition
As the countdown to Starmer’s departure begins, Andy Burnham is emerging as the uncontested frontrunner to succeed him. Having secured 322 nominations—an overwhelming 80% of the parliamentary party—Burnham is poised to take over at No 10. This leaves only 81 Labour MPs eligible to nominate an alternative candidate, a situation compounded by the convention that outgoing leaders typically refrain from endorsing successors.
The nominations process commenced on Thursday morning with numerous MPs visiting the Parliamentary Labour Party offices to submit their support. Burnham himself took to social media to announce his candidacy, cheekily remarking, “hopefully third time lucky,” as he previously attempted to secure the Labour leadership in 2010 and 2015.
Starmer has expressed confidence in Burnham’s capabilities, stating, “Yes, I do. I have known him a long time, I’ve worked with him when I first came to parliament, in his team directly.” This endorsement reflects a degree of camaraderie and support as Labour prepares for a new chapter.
A New Era for the Labour Party
In addition to parliamentary nominations, a new leader requires backing from at least 5% of local branches or three affiliated groups, including a minimum of two unions. Burnham has successfully garnered support from key unions such as Unite and the Fire Brigades Union, solidifying his position as the likely successor.
Why it Matters
Starmer’s apparent willingness to reconsider his stance on resignation honours not only raises questions about his integrity but also reflects the broader issues surrounding the honours system in the UK. As the Labour Party stands on the brink of a new leadership era, the implications of this decision could resonate deeply, influencing public trust in political institutions and shaping the party’s future direction. In a time when transparency and accountability are more crucial than ever, how Starmer navigates this situation will be pivotal in defining his legacy.
