In a surprising turn of events, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hinted at the possibility of issuing a resignation honours list upon his departure from Downing Street, despite previously vowing against such a move. With just over ten days remaining in his premiership, Starmer’s indecision raises questions about the integrity of the honours system and the political climate surrounding his successor, Andy Burnham.
A Shift in Stance
During a recent press conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, Starmer was pressed on whether he would uphold his earlier commitment not to create an honours list. Initially, he had strongly condemned former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for permitting Boris Johnson to distribute awards, including knighthoods, to his political allies after his controversial resignation. At that time, Starmer stated unequivocally, “No. There are other opportunities… it’s very hard to justify,” highlighting his belief that such a list would lack credibility given the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s exit.
However, when questioned about his current intentions, Starmer’s response was notably non-committal: “We’ll look at that in the usual course of things.” This ambiguity has left many wondering whether he is reconsidering his earlier position.
Context of Resignation Honours
Traditionally, outgoing prime ministers have the privilege of nominating individuals for honours, subject to approval by their successors and the House of Lords appointments commission. Starmer’s potential honours list comes on the heels of Sunak’s approval of Johnson’s contentious resignation honours, which included over 40 names despite ongoing parliamentary inquiries into Johnson’s conduct. This backdrop adds a layer of complexity to Starmer’s deliberations, as he navigates the expectations and criticisms associated with this political tradition.
Liz Truss, who resigned after a brief and tumultuous tenure, also received an honours list from Sunak, further complicating the narrative surrounding resignation honours and their legitimacy.
Leadership Transition Underway
As the Labour Party prepares for a leadership transition, Andy Burnham has emerged as the frontrunner to succeed Starmer, garnering an impressive 322 nominations—80% of the parliamentary party. This overwhelming support suggests Burnham is well-positioned to take the reins in No 10, with only 81 Labour MPs remaining who could potentially back an alternative candidate. Traditionally, outgoing leaders abstain from nominating successors, effectively solidifying Burnham’s path forward.
High-profile Labour figures, including Rachel Reeves, Yvette Cooper, and Ed Miliband, have publicly endorsed Burnham, underscoring his broad appeal within the party. Meanwhile, notable cabinet ministers Shabana Mahmood and Steve Reed have yet to add their names to Burnham’s list of supporters but still have an opportunity to do so.
The Road Ahead
As the nominations process unfolds, anticipation builds around Burnham’s potential leadership and Starmer’s legacy. Just before the nomination deadline, Burnham expressed his hopes in a social media video, stating, “hopefully third time lucky,” referencing his previous attempts to lead the party in 2010 and 2015. Starmer, for his part, has voiced confidence in Burnham’s ability to govern effectively, citing their longstanding professional relationship.
Why it Matters
Starmer’s wavering stance on resignation honours reflects a broader tension within the Labour Party and the political landscape of the UK. As Burnham prepares to assume leadership, the implications of honour nominations could shape public perceptions of the party’s integrity. This moment serves as a litmus test for Labour’s commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly as it seeks to regain the trust of voters disillusioned by past political practices. The choices made in the coming weeks will resonate far beyond the walls of Downing Street, influencing the party’s trajectory for years to come.