In a surprising shift, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hinted at the possibility of distributing resignation honours when he departs from Downing Street, a move that contradicts his previous stance against the practice. With just over ten days left in his premiership, as he prepares to hand over the reins to Andy Burnham, Starmer’s comments have ignited debate over the integrity of the honours system and the political implications of such awards.
A Change in Tone
During a recent press briefing at the NATO summit in Ankara, when questioned about his earlier vow not to issue a resignation honours list, Starmer was evasive. “We’ll look at that in the usual course of things,” he replied, leaving the door open for what many see as a potential about-face. This indecisiveness is notable, especially given Starmer’s past criticisms of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who allowed Boris Johnson to bestow a series of honours—including knighthoods—to his close allies amidst controversy.
In 2023, Starmer condemned Sunak’s endorsement of Johnson’s honours list, asserting the difficulty of justifying such rewards in light of Johnson’s turbulent exit from office. Back then, he firmly stated, “No. There are other opportunities… it’s very hard to justify.” His current ambiguity raises questions about his commitment to reforming the honours system, which has faced scrutiny for perceived cronyism and lack of transparency.
The Context of Resignation Honours
Traditionally, outgoing prime ministers are permitted to compile a list of honours, pending approval from their successors and the House of Lords appointments commission. However, this practice has come under fire for its potential to reward political allies rather than individuals deserving of recognition. Starmer’s predecessor, Liz Truss, famously submitted a resignation honours list after a brief and tumultuous tenure, which further fuelled public skepticism regarding the system’s integrity.
Sunak faced backlash for endorsing Johnson’s honours list, which boasted over 40 names, despite ongoing parliamentary inquiries into whether Johnson misled the Commons. This context complicates Starmer’s potential decision to follow suit; it risks positioning him as hypocritical, undermining his attempts to distance himself from Johnson’s legacy.
The Leadership Transition
As the Labour Party gears up for a new leadership era, Andy Burnham appears poised to succeed Starmer, boasting an impressive 322 nominations—equivalent to 80% of the parliamentary party’s backing. This near-unanimous support leaves little room for alternative candidates, with only 81 Labour MPs remaining eligible to nominate someone else. Typically, outgoing leaders abstain from nominating, further solidifying Burnham’s path to No. 10.
Prominent figures within the party, including Rachel Reeves and Ed Miliband, have rallied behind Burnham, showcasing broad support among Labour’s upper echelons. Even though two notable cabinet members, Shabana Mahmood and Steve Reed, have yet to endorse him, they still have time to join the growing chorus of support.
The Implications of Honours
Starmer’s indecision on resignation honours comes at a critical juncture for the Labour Party as it seeks to rebuild trust with its progressive base. The party’s reputation hinges not only on policy but also on the perceived integrity of its leadership. Analysts suggest that if Starmer opts for a resignation honours list, it could be seen as a betrayal of his earlier promises, alienating supporters who expect a new direction for Labour.
In contrast, a decision to forgo honours could reinforce his commitment to a more transparent and principled leadership style, potentially enhancing his legacy as a reformer within the party.
Why it Matters
Starmer’s potential flip-flop on issuing resignation honours is more than a matter of political etiquette; it strikes at the heart of the Labour Party’s struggle for credibility in a post-Johnson political landscape. As the party prepares for a leadership transition, the choices made during this period will define Labour’s character moving forward. Starmer’s actions could either cement a legacy of integrity or further entrench the perception of a party willing to play the same old games as its predecessors. The stakes are high, with the future of Labour hanging in the balance.
