STORY
In his final act as Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has awarded a series of peerages and honours to political allies and public figures, igniting a debate over the use of the honours system for political patronage. The list, published on 11 April 2025, includes the elevation of several former Conservative cabinet ministers to the House of Lords and the conferral of knighthoods to prominent figures.
Key Appointments to the House of Lords
Among the most notable peerages is that of Michael Gove, the former Levelling Up Secretary and long-serving Conservative politician. Gove, who retired as an MP at the last general election, has held multiple cabinet positions under various prime ministers and remains an influential figure within the party.
Other appointments to the House of Lords include:
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Mark Harper, former Transport Secretary
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Simon Hart, former Chief Whip
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Alister Jack, former Scottish Secretary
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Victoria Prentis, former Attorney General
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Stephen Massey, former Conservative Party Chairman
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Eleanor Shawcross, former No. 10 Policy Head
Additionally, Amanda Spielman, former HM Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills, has been nominated for a life peerage, recognising her contributions to education and public service.
Knighthoods and Other Honours
The honours list also includes knighthoods for several senior politicians:
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Jeremy Hunt, former Chancellor of the Exchequer
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James Cleverly, former Foreign and Home Secretary
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Grant Shapps, former Defence Secretary
Notably, England cricket legend Jimmy Anderson and filmmaker Matthew Vaughn have also been knighted for their contributions to sports and the arts, respectively.
Criticism and Calls for Reform
The honours have drawn criticism from opposition parties and political commentators, who argue that the list rewards political loyalty over merit. Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Daisy Cooper described the appointments as a “parade of political flunkies,” suggesting that the honours system is being used to benefit political allies rather than recognise genuine public service.
Labour leader Keir Starmer has previously advocated for reforming the House of Lords, proposing measures such as introducing a retirement age and ending hereditary peerages to modernise the institution.
The Honours System and Its Implications
The British honours system allows outgoing prime ministers to recommend individuals for peerages and other honours, a tradition that has often been criticised for promoting political patronage. Life peerages grant individuals the right to sit in the House of Lords, contributing to the legislative process and influencing national policy.