In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hinted that he may consider issuing a resignation honours list, a move that could contradict his earlier commitment to avoid such practices. As he prepares to step down from his position in the coming days, with Andy Burnham set to take over, this development raises questions about the integrity of the honours system and the political precedent it may establish.
Starmer’s Change of Heart
During a recent press conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, Starmer was asked repeatedly whether he would adhere to his previous pledge of not creating a resignation honours list. His responses were notably non-committal, indicating a shift in stance. “We’ll look at that in the usual course of things,” he stated, leaving the door open for a potential honours list upon his departure from Downing Street.
This signals a marked departure from Starmer’s 2023 critiques of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who faced backlash for permitting Boris Johnson to hand out honours, including knighthoods, to his political allies. At that time, Starmer firmly rejected the notion of participating in similar practices, asserting, “There are other opportunities… It’s very hard to justify.”
The Tradition of Resignation Honours
Traditionally, outgoing prime ministers have the prerogative to nominate individuals for honours after leaving office. However, such lists require approval from their successors and the House of Lords appointments commission. This established protocol has come under scrutiny, particularly following recent controversial nominations.
Starmer’s predecessor, Liz Truss, who resigned after just 49 days amidst economic turmoil, garnered her own resignation honours list from Sunak. Critics have argued that the system is susceptible to political patronage, particularly when the nominees are closely aligned with the outgoing leader’s political interests.
Andy Burnham Set to Take the Helm
As the Labour Party gears up for a leadership transition, Burnham has emerged as the clear frontrunner. With 322 nominations from Labour MPs, accounting for 80% of the parliamentary party, he is poised to succeed Starmer without serious opposition. This overwhelming support leaves only 81 Labour MPs available to nominate an alternative candidate.
Prominent figures within the party, including Rachel Reeves and Ed Miliband, have publicly endorsed Burnham, reinforcing his strong position. Despite a few cabinet members, such as Shabana Mahmood and Steve Reed, withholding nominations, the timeline for submissions remains open, allowing for potential last-minute endorsements.
Starmer expressed confidence in Burnham’s capabilities to lead, 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.”
The Nominations Process Underway
The nominations process commenced recently, with numerous MPs visiting the Labour Party’s parliamentary offices in Westminster to formally endorse Burnham. The enthusiasm surrounding his candidacy is palpable, with many MPs sharing their endorsements on social media. Just before noon, Burnham himself posted a brief video announcing his self-nomination, alluding to his previous attempts at leadership in 2010 and 2015 with a hopeful “hopefully third time lucky.”
To secure the leadership, a candidate must also gather nominations from at least 5% of local branches or obtain backing from at least three affiliated groups, including a minimum of two trade unions. Burnham has already secured endorsements from key unions, including Unite and the Fire Brigades Union, bolstering his bid.
Why it Matters
The possibility of Starmer issuing a resignation honours list not only raises eyebrows but also reflects broader concerns about the integrity of the honours system within British politics. As public trust in political figures continues to wane, any perceived misuse of the honours system can significantly impact public sentiment. The upcoming leadership transition will not only determine the future direction of the Labour Party but also set a precedent for how honours are awarded in the UK, making this issue one of considerable importance as we look to the future of political accountability and transparency.
