Defiance in the Face of Criticism
Liz Truss, the former Prime Minister, has sparked a row by awarding peerages to her allies, despite being in office for only 49 days. Among those receiving the honors are Matthew Elliott and Jon Moynihan, who were key figures in the Vote Leave campaign and donated £20,000 to Truss's leadership campaign. Ruth Porter, a long-term associate and former chief of staff, will also be granted a Life peerage.
Labour's "List of Shame"
The peerages were initially included in a list submitted by Truss nine months ago, which the Labour Party branded as a "list of shame." Following a disastrous mini-Budget that resulted in a drop in the value of the Pound, Labour called on Rishi Sunak, Truss's successor as Prime Minister, to block the nominations.
Truss Defends Her Choices
Despite facing criticism, Liz Truss remained defiant, stating that it was right to honor these individuals who championed conservative causes and a proud, sovereign Britain. She dismissed the controversy as an attempt to undermine her allies' achievements.
Sunak and the Avoidance of Controversy
Rishi Sunak, the current Prime Minister, is yet to comment on the peerages. However, aides are hopeful that he will not be drawn into the row, as Members of Parliament are on recess until January 8. The delay may provide some respite for Sunak as he avoids making an immediate decision on the matter.
Opposition Criticism
Opposition figures, however, have not held back in their criticism. Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Jonathan Ashworth accused Sunak of being weak and out of touch with working people for allowing the peerages to go ahead. Daisy Cooper, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, also condemned the move as a shameless reward for Truss's allies.
Conventional Practice
It is customary for former Prime Ministers to submit a resignation honours list. Liz Truss's list includes eight other colleagues who will also receive peerages. A government source defended the decision, stating that it is standard practice for the incumbent Prime Minister not to block political peerage proposals from past Prime Ministers or nominations from the opposition.
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