Theresa May urged to block David Cameron's resignation honours list over 'cronyism' claims

Row: David Cameron has been accused of cronyism
Alex Lentati / Evening Standard
Hatty Collier1 August 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Theresa May today faced calls to block David Cameron’s resignation honours list following claims the former Prime Minister is looking to reward allies and party donors.

Labour politicians have called for a complete overhaul of the system after it was claimed the Mr Cameron is pushing to reward personal aides, political donors, and senior figures on the losing Remain campaign.

The row was sparked after the Sunday Times reported that Mr Cameron had recommended knighthoods for four pro-EU cabinet colleagues, Philip Hammond, Michael Fallon, Patrick McLoughlin, and David Lidington.

Mr Cameron also requested a companion of honour award for George Osborne, who was dismissed as chancellor by Prime Minister Theresa May, according to a list leaked to the newspaper.

Will Straw, head of the failed official pro-Remain campaign was proposed for a CBE, and more than 20 Downing St staff were recommended for awards, the report said.

Among those reported to be recommended for OBEs is Isabel Spearman, who helped Samantha Cameron with her diary and outfits for various engagements.

It was also claimed Mr Cameron recommended knighthoods for major Tory donors Ian Taylor and Andrew Cook.

Labour deputy leader Tom Watson said Mr Cameron's bid to reward his friends presented the worst of the "old boy's network".

Mr Watson said: "I hope Theresa May is not going stake her reputation on David Cameron's old boys network.

"That Mr Cameron proposes to reward his friends network on such a huge scale will not only bring the honours system into disrepute, it will undermine the reputation of the Theresa May.

"It's cronyism, pure and simple and proof the Tories will always put their own interests before those of the country."

Andy Burnham, the shadow home secretary and candidate for mayor of Greater Manchester posted on Twitter, calling for the honours to be blocked.

He wrote: “The Honours Committee should turn down Cameron's list. If they accept it, will destroy any remaining shred of respect for the honours system.”

Labour leadership challenger Owen Smith called for a total revamp of the system in light of the controversy.

"I'm disappointed that the former prime minister should use the system to slap his friends on the back. Yet it shows just how warped a sense of perspective this Tory party has governed with. " Mr Smith said.

During an interview on BBC Radio 4's Westminster Hour, Labour's Gisela Stewart said Mr Cameron was "not only rewarding his chums - he is rewarding his chums for having failed".

But New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne, who was knighted for political service in this year's New Year Honours list, told the programme the list was representative of Mr Cameron's six years as prime minister.

He said: "The reason we have a resignation honours list is because over a period of government, particularly difficult government in a coalition, a prime minister has to cajole and get the support of a number people and he builds up a debt of honour.

"I think that frankly an honours list is a relatively light way of paying it off. I think we get far too excited about these things.”

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