David Cameron notably came under fire from all quarters when his Resignation Honours list was released in 2016. The former PM’s attempt to dole out knighthoods and honours to his nearests, dearests and even hair stylist, was roundly condemned as the ultimate example of Westminster cronyism.
None though were more offended at the time than his successor, Theresa May. Shortly afterwards, May said that when Cameron gave his former communications director Craig Oliver a knighthood, ‘most of us’ felt like ‘retching violently’ at the news.
How times change. This evening, Theresa May’s own dissolution honours have been released, showing the worthy elite the former prime minister has decided to bestow knighthoods upon and send up to the House of Lords. And remarkably, it appears that May has decided to take a leaf out of David Cameron’s book. May has given knighthoods and gongs to everyone from her Brexit sherpa Olly Robbins and deputy David Lidington, to her Downing Street housekeeper and Chequers chef. The full list is here.
Rather fittingly as well, considering her objection to Cameron’s knighthood splurge, May has also decided to thank her own director of communications, Robbie Gibb, for his service by making him a Knight Bachelor.
Arise Sir Robbie! And let’s hope Theresa May’s stomach can handle the U-turn…
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