Rishi Sunak, the British Prime Minister, faced intense criticism from Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions, over his decision to allow Boris Johnson’s honours list to stand. The controversy surrounded the inclusion of individuals who were implicated in the partygate scandal and those who helped “cover up” lawbreaking on the list. Starmer accused Sunak of being “too weak” to block the list, allowing those responsible for the scandal to receive honors and become lawmakers.
The debate centered on the role of Tom Watson, a former Labour MP who was nominated for a life peerage by Labour. Watson’s nomination was controversial due to his role in promoting false claims about a VIP Westminster paedophile ring, which were later found to be unfounded. Sunak criticized Labour’s peerage nominations, including Watson’s, and questioned the party’s motives.
Starmer lamented the lack of accountability in the honours system, stating that honours should be for public service, not Tory cronies. He criticized Sunak for not blocking the honours list, which he argued rewarded those who helped cover up Johnson’s lawbreaking. Sunak defended his decision, citing the convention of non-interference in political honours and suggesting that Labour’s own peerage nominations had been criticized in the past.
The controversy has added to the turmoil within the Conservative Party, which has seen the resignation of several high-profile MPs, including Boris Johnson and Nigel Adams. The party is facing a challenging by-election terrain, with two by-elections triggered by the resignations of Johnson and Adams.
Rishi Sunak (Via Rishi Sunak/Twitter)
Starmer used the opportunity to further criticize the Conservative Party, asking Sunak if he would block Liz Truss’s honours list or if he would “buckle” to her as well. Sunak sidestepped the question, focusing instead on Labour’s economic policies.
The debate highlights the ongoing divisions within the Conservative Party and the challenges faced by Sunak in restoring order and credibility to the party. The controversy has also raised questions about the honour system and the influence of politics on the selection of individuals to receive honors.
The opposition party is not waiting for the next election to take advantage of the situation, calling for a general election now. Sunak, however, remains committed to his leadership, criticizing Labour’s economic policies and promising to continue delivering for the country.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the Tory crisis is far from over, and the party will need to navigate these challenges to regain the public’s trust and confidence.
