Keir Starmer has refused to rule out awarding resignation honours when he leaves office, reversing a position he held three years ago. The outgoing Prime Minister declined twice to commit against creating an honours list before stepping down in approximately ten days, when Andy Burnham will succeed him.
This marks a notable shift for Starmer, who previously pledged he would not distribute resignation honours upon his departure from No 10. The decision carries political weight given Labour's emphasis on ethical governance and anti-corruption messaging during its time in office.
Resignation honours lists have long been controversial in British politics. Outgoing prime ministers traditionally use them to reward allies, advisers, and supporters with peerages, knighthoods, and other distinctions. Critics argue the practice amounts to a farewell gift to loyal operatives and donors, blurring the line between public recognition and partisan reward.
Starmer's shift reflects a broader pattern where politicians abandon campaign pledges once in power. Labour came to office promising to clean up politics after the Boris Johnson and Liz Truss tenures, both marked by controversy over political honours and access to decision-making. The party criticized the Conservative government's approach to appointments and lobbying.
By declining to explicitly rule out resignation honours now, Starmer leaves space to reward his government team and party loyalists. This includes potential recognition for Cabinet ministers, long-serving MPs, and party officials who backed his leadership bid or supported Labour through its opposition years.
The timing adds complexity. Burnham, the incoming Prime Minister, previously served as Health Secretary and Manchester Mayor. His ascension suggests continuity within Labour's leadership but also represents a generational shift in the party's direction.
Starmer's equivocation on honours reflects the tension between progressive governance rhetoric and practical politics. Campaign promises often face reality checks once leaders control patronage levers. The decision whether to issue a