In a surprising shift, Keir Starmer has opened the door to the possibility of issuing a resignation honours list when he vacates Downing Street, a move that stands in stark contrast to his previous commitments. With just over ten days remaining in his premiership, the Labour leader faces scrutiny over the implications of his potential decisions, especially following his sharp criticism of Rishi Sunak’s handling of honours during Boris Johnson’s tenure.
A Change in Stance
Starmer, who is set to be succeeded by Andy Burnham, has repeatedly stated in the past that he would not engage in the practice of bestowing honours upon his allies upon leaving office. In 2023, while serving as opposition leader, he condemned Sunak for permitting Johnson to distribute awards, including knighthoods, to his political friends, labelling it an unjustifiable act given the circumstances of Johnson’s departure from No 10. At the time, Starmer asserted, “There are other opportunities… Tony Blair didn’t have a resignation list. It’s very hard to justify.”
However, at the recent NATO summit in Ankara, when pressed about his commitment to forgo a resignation honours list, he offered a vague response: “We’ll look at that in the usual course of things.” This reluctance to provide a definitive answer leaves many wondering whether Starmer will follow in the footsteps of his predecessors or uphold his earlier promises.
The Tradition of Resignation Honours
Historically, outgoing prime ministers have been entitled to nominate individuals for honours, pending approval from their successors and the House of Lords appointments commission. This practice has often courted controversy, particularly when linked to political patronage. Liz Truss, for example, was granted a resignation honours list by Sunak despite her brief and tumultuous time in office, which lasted only 49 days amidst economic chaos.
Johnson’s resignation honours list, featuring over 40 names, similarly drew ire, especially in light of ongoing inquiries regarding whether he misled Parliament. Starmer’s potential pivot could reignite this debate, particularly given the public’s growing scrutiny of political accountability and transparency.
The Lead-Up to Burnham’s Ascendancy
As the Labour leadership contest unfolds, Andy Burnham has emerged as the frontrunner, securing an impressive 322 nominations—80% of the parliamentary party—almost guaranteeing his position as Starmer’s successor. This overwhelming support signifies a consolidation of power within the Labour ranks, leaving only 81 MPs who could potentially nominate an alternative candidate. Convention dictates that the outgoing leader refrains from nominating, indicating Burnham’s path is largely unimpeded.
Among those endorsing Burnham are significant party figures such as Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, and Yvette Cooper. The absence of nominations from prominent cabinet ministers like Shabana Mahmood and Steve Reed remains notable, although they still have time to throw their support behind Burnham.
Starmer, reflecting on Burnham’s capabilities, expressed confidence in his former colleague’s potential leadership. “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,” he stated, suggesting a smooth transition of leadership.
Why it Matters
Starmer’s wavering commitment to a resignation honours list could have far-reaching implications for the Labour Party and the public’s perception of political integrity. As the nation grapples with issues of accountability and transparency in governance, any move to award honours—especially following the controversial practices of his predecessors—could undermine Starmer’s credibility and the Labour Party’s commitment to reform. The stakes are high: the new leadership must navigate these waters carefully, as they seek to distance themselves from the political patronage that has marred public trust in recent years.
