As Keir Starmer prepares to step down from his role as Prime Minister in just over ten days, he has hinted at the possibility of issuing resignation honours, a move that contradicts his previous stance against such awards. This development comes as Andy Burnham, the likely successor, gathers overwhelming support within the Labour Party.
Starmer’s Shifting Position on Honours
During a recent press conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, Starmer was asked whether he would maintain his commitment not to create a resignation honours list. His response was noncommittal, stating, “We’ll look at that in the usual course of things.” This marks a significant departure from his earlier assertions made in 2023, when he openly criticised Rishi Sunak for permitting Boris Johnson to distribute honours to his allies, including knighthoods, during a politically charged period. At that time, Starmer asserted that such awards were difficult to justify, particularly given the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s departure from office.
Back then, Starmer had firmly stated, “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.” His recent comments suggest that he might now be reconsidering this position.
Tradition and Controversy Surrounding Resignation Honours
The practice of awarding honours upon leaving Downing Street is steeped in tradition, but it has also been fraught with controversy. Prime Ministers are permitted to nominate individuals for honours, but these nominations must receive approval from their successor and the House of Lords Appointments Commission.
Rishi Sunak faced backlash for approving Boris Johnson’s honours list, which included over 40 names, despite ongoing inquiries into whether Johnson had misled Parliament. Similarly, Liz Truss, who resigned after a mere 49 days in office, was granted a resignation honours list, raising questions about the appropriateness of such awards given her brief tenure.
Starmer’s potential change in policy regarding honours could reignite debates about the integrity of the honours system, particularly in light of recent criticisms aimed at his predecessors.
Andy Burnham’s Ascendancy
As Starmer readies himself to leave office, Andy Burnham has emerged as the frontrunner to take his place, securing 322 nominations from Labour MPs, which constitutes approximately 80% of the parliamentary party. With only 81 MPs remaining who could potentially nominate another candidate, Burnham’s path to leadership appears almost assured.
Among those endorsing Burnham are prominent figures such as Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, and Yvette Cooper, indicating a strong backing within the party. The nominations process began recently, with many MPs publicly expressing their support on social media. Shortly after nominating himself, Burnham shared a video message, exclaiming, “hopefully third time lucky,” a nod to his previous unsuccessful attempts to lead the Labour Party in 2010 and 2015.
Starmer expressed confidence in Burnham’s ability to succeed in No 10, 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.”
Potential Challenges Ahead
While Burnham’s rise seems inevitable, he must still navigate the party’s nomination requirements, which stipulate that a new leader needs endorsements from at least 5% of local branches or three affiliated groups, with two being unions. Burnham has already received backing from the Unite and the Fire Brigades Union, strengthening his position as the next leader of the Labour Party.
Why it Matters
Starmer’s possible shift towards issuing resignation honours could have significant implications for the Labour Party and its standing with the public. As the party transitions to new leadership under Burnham, the decisions made during this period will be scrutinised closely. The approach taken towards honours and the overall transparency of the process may shape public perception and trust in the party moving forward. This moment not only signifies a pivotal time for Labour but also poses questions about the integrity and future of the honours system in British politics.
