As the clock ticks down to his departure from Downing Street, Keir Starmer finds himself at the centre of a fresh political storm. The Prime Minister has signalled that he may consider issuing a resignation honours list, a move that contradicts his earlier vow to avoid such practices. This decision, coming just days before he hands over the reins to Andy Burnham, has sparked concerns over the integrity of the honours system and the potential for political patronage.
Starmer’s About-Face on Honours
In 2023, while serving as the leader of the opposition, Starmer was vocal in his condemnation of Rishi Sunak’s endorsement of Boris Johnson’s honours list, which included numerous knighthoods for his political allies. At the time, he declared, “No. There are other opportunities … Tony Blair didn’t have a resignation list. It’s very hard to justify… I think it’s easier to be clear about this and simply say, no, I wouldn’t do it.”
Fast forward to the present, and Starmer’s rhetoric appears to have shifted significantly. During a recent press conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, when pressed on his commitment to abstaining from a resignation honours list, he responded somewhat ambiguously: “We’ll look at that in the usual course of things.” This reluctance to firmly commit to his previous stance raises questions about his principles.
A Changing Political Landscape
This potential pivot comes amid a climate of scrutiny, particularly following Sunak’s approval of Johnson’s controversial honours list, which featured over 40 names despite an ongoing parliamentary inquiry into whether Johnson had misled the Commons. The public backlash against perceived cronyism in the honours system has been significant, and Starmer’s apparent willingness to partake in the same practices he once denounced further complicates Labour’s image.
Andy Burnham, Starmer’s successor, has already garnered 322 nominations from Labour MPs, which constitutes a staggering 80% of the parliamentary party, essentially securing his position as the next leader. Such overwhelming support suggests a desire for continuity within the party, but it also places additional pressure on Starmer to uphold the values he previously espoused.
Criticism of the Honours System
The controversy surrounding resignation honours is not new. Liz Truss, who resigned after a mere 49 days in office due to a financial crisis exacerbated by her government’s mini-budget, received a resignation honours list from Sunak. This has prompted many to scrutinise the criteria and motivations behind the honours awarded, as critics argue that they often serve to reward loyalty rather than merit.
Starmer’s potential decision to issue a similar list could further erode public trust in the honours system, which is already viewed with suspicion by many. The growing perception that honours are simply political favours risks alienating voters and undermining the credibility of the Labour Party.
The Path Ahead for Labour
As Labour prepares for a new leadership era, the party is keenly aware of the need to reconnect with its progressive base. Burnham’s campaign has already begun to shift the focus towards inclusivity and transparency, especially in light of recent events in Gaza, where he has sought to reposition Labour as a champion of human rights.
Despite the pressure to conform to political norms, Burnham has an opportunity to differentiate himself from the past by rejecting the traditional honours system that has been mired in controversy. His approach could signal a new chapter for Labour, one that prioritises accountability over patronage.
Why it Matters
Starmer’s wavering stance on resignation honours encapsulates a broader struggle within the Labour Party to reconcile its historical values with the demands of modern politics. As public trust in political institutions continues to wane, the decisions made in the coming weeks will play a crucial role in shaping the party’s future. If Labour is to regain the confidence of the electorate, it must demonstrate a commitment to integrity and accountability, steering clear of the pitfalls of patronage that have marred its predecessors.