In a surprising turn of events, Keir Starmer has suggested he may consider issuing resignation honours when he departs from Downing Street, a stark contrast to his previous stance. As he prepares to hand over the reins to Andy Burnham in just over ten days, the Prime Minister’s recent comments at the NATO summit in Ankara have raised eyebrows, particularly given his past criticism of the honours system employed by his predecessor, Rishi Sunak.
A Change of Heart?
Starmer, once a vocal opponent of Boris Johnson’s controversial honours list, has left the door open to creating his own awards upon leaving office. During his tenure as opposition leader, Starmer condemned Sunak for permitting Johnson to bestow knighthoods and other honours to political allies, a move he described as difficult to justify in light of Johnson’s tumultuous departure from office.
At the time, Starmer 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.” In recent statements, however, when pressed by journalists about his commitment to this principle, Starmer replied ambiguously, “We’ll look at that in the usual course of things,” leaving many to speculate about his intentions.
The Shadow of Predecessors
Tradition dictates that outgoing Prime Ministers can nominate individuals for honours, pending approval from their successor and the House of Lords appointments commission. The controversy surrounding this practice has been amplified in recent years, particularly following Sunak’s approval of an honours list from Johnson that included over 40 names, despite an ongoing parliamentary inquiry into whether Johnson misled Parliament.
Starmer’s potential shift echoes the earlier actions of Liz Truss, who, despite a brief and tumultuous stint as Prime Minister, received her own resignation honours list merely weeks after her departure. Such instances have led to increasing scrutiny of the honours system, raising questions about its integrity and the motivations behind such nominations.
A Leadership Transition
As Starmer prepares for his exit, attention is now focused on Burnham, who has garnered substantial support within the Labour Party, securing 322 nominations—equating to 80% of the parliamentary party. This overwhelming backing virtually ensures his ascension to No 10, leaving only a handful of Labour MPs capable of nominating an alternative candidate. Notably, convention dictates that the outgoing leader refrains from endorsing any successor, further solidifying Burnham’s position.
Prominent figures such as Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, and Yvette Cooper have publicly supported Burnham, reinforcing his status as the frontrunner. As the nominations process unfolds, some cabinet ministers, such as Shabana Mahmood and Steve Reed, have yet to lend their support, but time remains for them to do so.
Starmer’s Endorsement
Starmer appears confident in Burnham’s leadership 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 indicates a smooth transition, as the Labour Party looks to consolidate its leadership ahead of upcoming challenges.
In addition to parliamentary backing, Burnham must also secure nominations from at least 5% of local branches or three party-affiliated groups, including two unions. With the support of Unite and the Fire Brigades Union already in his corner, Burnham is well-positioned to meet these requirements.
Why it Matters
Starmer’s wavering stance on the honours system highlights a growing tension between political ideals and pragmatic governance. As Labour seeks to restore its credibility and connect with progressive voters, the implications of potentially adopting the very practices he once condemned could undermine the party’s integrity. This moment serves as a litmus test for Starmer’s leadership and the party’s commitment to transparency and accountability in an increasingly cynical political landscape. The decisions made in the coming weeks will resonate beyond party lines, shaping public perception and trust in the political establishment.