Liz Truss’s Resignation Honours Unveiled
Liz Truss, despite a short 49-day tenure as prime minister, disclosed her resignation honours, nominating three close associates for peerages and eight others for honours. This revised list was a scaled-back version of her initial nominations, initially rumored to encompass at least 14 individuals. However, reports surfaced that a couple had declined the honors.
Champions of Conservative Causes Recognized
In her announcement, Truss expressed delight in honoring individuals she deemed ‘champions for the conservative causes of freedom.’ Notable among her nominations were life peers such as SIR JON MOYNIHAN, a Conservative party donor; MATTHEW ELLIOTT, the strategist behind the Brexit campaign in 2016; and RUTH PORTER, her former deputy chief of staff in No 10. Despite support from the Institute of Economic Affairs, Mark Littlewood, who advocated for Truss’s mini-budget, was notably absent from the list.
Political Figures and Contributions Acknowledged
Truss nominated Sir Jon and Mr. Elliott—both pivotal figures in the Vote Leave campaign—despite their prior support for the Remain side in the referendum, later aligning with Brexit. Additionally, she recommended Tory MPs JACQUELINE DOYLE-PRICE for a damehood and ALEC SHELBROOKE for a knighthood, recognizing their service in politics. Ms. Doyle-Price had served as industry minister under Truss’s close tutelage, while Mr. Shelbrooke had a role as a defense minister. Novelist SHIRLEY CONRAN, a contributor to Truss’s funding, was also put forth for a damehood, recognizing her services to mathematics.
Honoring Contributions and Service
The list extended honors to individuals like SOPHIE JARVIS, a long-serving aide to the former prime minister, who will be appointed Commander of the British Empire, alongside SHABBIR MERALI. Tory MPs ROBERT BUTLER and SUZANNE WEBB, who served in Truss’s government, were named Officers of the British Empire, while DAVID HILLS, Truss’s local Conservative chairman, was made a Member of the British Empire.
Criticism and Opposition Reaction
Upon the publication of the list, opposition parties, particularly Labour, criticized the nominations, labeling them as rewards for ‘Tory failure.’ This critique surfaced amidst varied opinions on the selection and acknowledgment of individuals within Truss’s circle for their contributions and service.