Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has nominated his father Stanley Johnson for knighthood, a report in Times Daily said. Johnson has reportedly put forward 100 names for honours.
The Times reported that the former prime minister had put forward as many as 100 names for awards. According to reports, his predecessors Theresa May and David Cameron nominated roughly 60 names each. Stanley is a former member of the European Parliament, an author and television personality, Reuters reported. Stanley acquired French nationality last year.
Reuters reported that all departing British leaders are entitled to draw up a 'resignation honours' list that bestows knighthoods and other titles. A knighthood or damehood raises a person's public profile, conferring the title of "Sir" or "Dame" on the holder, the publication reported.
According to reports, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has the power to block any honours nominations.
The Labour party criticised the move. The Guardian quoted Labour leader Keir Starmer saying, “, I think the public will just think this is absolutely outrageous. The idea of an ex-prime minister bestowing honours on his dad – for services to what?” Shadow Health Secretary Wes Streeting charged that Johnson discredited the honour s system and the office of prime minister.
As prime minister, Johnson in 2020 elevated his brother Jo Johnson to the House of Lords, Reuters reported.
