Keir Starmer, the current Prime Minister, has hinted at the possibility of issuing resignation honours upon his departure from Downing Street—a significant departure from his earlier stance against the practice. As he prepares to hand over the reins to Andy Burnham in just over a week, this shift raises questions about the integrity of the honours system and the implications for Labour’s future.
A Surprising Change of Heart
In a recent interview at the NATO summit in Ankara, Starmer was non-committal when asked whether he would adhere to his previous pledge of abstaining from creating an honours list. “We’ll look at that in the usual course of things,” he replied, evading a definitive answer. This ambiguity marks a stark contrast to his position in 2023, when he publicly condemned Rishi Sunak for permitting Boris Johnson to distribute honours, including knighthoods, to his allies amid controversy surrounding Johnson’s departure from office.
Starmer’s previous comments were clear. He argued that such honours are difficult to justify and referenced Tony Blair, who notably refrained from issuing a resignation list. His assertion was straightforward: “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.”
Yet now, as he stands on the brink of handing over leadership, the question looms: has Starmer compromised his principles in the face of political expediency?
The Legacy of Johnson and Sunak
Starmer’s potential foray into the honours system comes on the heels of significant criticism aimed at both Johnson and Sunak. The former Prime Minister’s resignation honours list, which included over 40 names, has been scrutinised, especially given the ongoing parliamentary investigation into whether he misled the House of Commons.
In this context, Starmer’s prospective honours list could be viewed as an unsettling continuation of a troubling trend where political patronage overshadows genuine merit. Liz Truss’s brief premiership saw her receive a resignation honours list from Sunak after just 49 days—an episode that further eroded public trust in the integrity of political appointments.
Burnham’s Ascension: A Foregone Conclusion?
As the Labour Party gears up for a leadership transition, Andy Burnham has captured overwhelming support, securing 322 nominations—representing 80% of the parliamentary party. This near-unanimity suggests that his ascension to No 10 is all but assured, given that only 81 Labour MPs remain who could nominate another candidate.
High-profile endorsements from figures such as Rachel Reeves, David Lammy, and Yvette Cooper underscore Burnham’s broad appeal within the party. However, two prominent cabinet members, Shabana Mahmood and Steve Reed, have yet to lend their support, although they still have time to do so.
With the nominations process in full swing, Burnham has already declared his candidacy via social media, referencing his past leadership bids in 2010 and 2015 with a hopeful “hopefully third time lucky.” Starmer, having worked alongside Burnham for years, expressed confidence in his successor’s capabilities: “Yes, I do. I have known him a long time.”
The Nomination Process and Its Implications
To secure the leadership, Burnham must also garner support from at least 5% of local branches or three party-affiliated groups, including two unions. His backing from influential unions like Unite and the Fire Brigades Union positions him favourably as he seeks to consolidate his leadership.
The Labour Party’s nomination process has become a focal point of political activity, with MPs keen to secure their influence in the future direction of the party. As the landscape shifts, the stakes for Labour are high, and the implications of Starmer’s decisions could reverberate throughout the party for years to come.
Why it Matters
Starmer’s potential U-turn on resignation honours not only raises questions about his commitment to political integrity but also reflects the ongoing struggle within the Labour Party to redefine itself in the eyes of a sceptical electorate. As Burnham prepares to take the helm, the implications of these decisions will shape Labour’s trajectory, testing its ability to regain trust and connect with a progressive base wary of political patronage. The next few weeks will be pivotal, as the party attempts to navigate these turbulent waters while holding true to its core values.
