“Analysis: Examination of Johnson’s Resignation Honours List and the Rewarding of Key Allies”

Boris Johnson’s Resignation Honours List Rewards Close Allies

Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list has been published, and it rewards close allies with peerages and other awards. The list includes former secretaries of state, Simon Clarke and Jacob Rees-Mogg, who were knighted, and Priti Patel, who was made a dame. Seven new peers, including Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and London Assembly member Shaun Bailey, were also among those given honours. The tradition of a resignation honours list allows outgoing prime ministers to make nominations for honours. The list was approved nine months after Mr Johnson resigned as prime minister and includes 38 honours and seven peerages.

Controversy and Criticism

The former PM’s honours list was controversial and expected to provoke fierce criticism. Some of the honours have been criticised, with some naming the list rewards for failure. Honours were given out to some of Boris Johnson’s close advisers during his premiership, including former directors of communications Jack Doyle and Guto Harri, who were both made CBEs. Former Downing Street chief of staff Dan Rosenfield, former director of transport Kulveer Singh Ranger, and former adviser to Mr Johnson Charlotte Owen will all enter the Lords, alongside fellow advisers Ben Gascoigne and Ross Kempsell. The list also includes Tory MPs and Brexit backer Bill Cash as a companion of honour.

However, not everyone has been pleased with the list. Formerly loyal aides to Mr Johnson branded the list “an utter disgrace,” while Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, said it was “shameful” that Rishi Sunak had “failed to stand up to his former boss’s outrageous demands and agreed to hand out prizes to this carousel of cronies.” The Electoral Reform Society campaign group said the resignation list “demonstrates just how discredited and partisan the honours system has become.”

Analysis

The resignation honours list demonstrates Boris Johnson’s loyalty to those who are loyal to him. Most of the 45 names are people who know Boris Johnson personally, having either worked with him at No 10 or when he was London mayor. However, the list has led to Conservative detractors describing the list as “ghastly” or full of “sycophants.” Prime ministers don’t typically veto their predecessors’ honours, but this list has certainly damaged the Conservative party and has allowed the opposition to portray Rishi Sunak as weak for not blocking the list. Ultimately, the resignation honours list highlights the importance of maintaining an impartial and credible honours system that rewards people for their merit and service rather than political allegiances.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list has once again brought the spotlight on the issue of whether the honours system rewards people based on their merit or political connections. The list has also shone a spotlight on the importance of maintaining the integrity of the honours system. It is essential to ensure that the honours system remains impartial and credible to retain the public’s trust and confidence. The resignation honours list is a reminder that the honours system should reward outstanding contributions to society, regardless of political allegiances.