Row as UK’s Boris Johnson reportedly touts father for knighthood
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FORMER UK prime minister Boris Johnson has put his father Stanley forward for a knighthood, according to a report on Monday (Mar 6) that was slammed by the Labour opposition as “outrageous”.
The Times reported that the former Conservative leader, who left office last September, had nominated Stanley as part of his resignation honours list. The list reportedly includes the nominations of several allies for membership of the House of Lords. Johnson had appointed his younger brother, Jo, to the chamber in 2020.
Labour leader Keir Starmer said: “The idea that Boris Johnson is nominating his dad for a knighthood – you only need to say it to realise just how ridiculous it is.”
“It’s classic of a man like Johnson. I mean, I think the public will just think this is absolutely outrageous,” he added, also querying what the elder Johnson had done to deserve a knighthood.
The reported list poses a political headache for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who must sign off on his predecessor’s controversial choices and is trying to keep Johnson loyalists on side.
Sunak’s spokesman said the report was “speculative”, while stressing: “Longstanding rules guard the honours process, and there are no plans to change that.”
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Asked if she would have a problem with the appointment, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan told LBC Radio: “I think there are bigger fish to fry, to be honest.”
Stanley Johnson would be a controversial pick also because of accusations of sexual harassment against two women, and domestic abuse against his ex-wife. He has denied any wrongdoing.
A former member of the European Parliament, the elder Johnson voted for the UK to remain in the European Union in the 2016 referendum, whereas his son led the campaign to leave.
Stanley Johnson has since expressed support for Brexit. He was accused of hypocrisy after securing French nationality last year. AFP
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