Stanley Johnson knighthood backed by only 14 percent in latest poll
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A majority of Britons oppose Boris Johnson‘s father Stanley Johnson receiving a knighthood, the latest poll shows. Only 14 percent of those surveyed by Savanta ComRes for The Independent back a gong going to the former prime minister’s father.
Reports last week revealed Boris Johnson was considering a knighthood for his dad, who is a former MEP.
Almost two-thirds (65 percent) of those who took part in the poll thought the elder Mr Johnson should not be knighted in his son’s resignation honours list.
Just under half the public (49 percent) believe the honours system should be abolished as opposed to 37 percent in favour, according to the poll.
Tom Brake, Director of Unlock Democracy, told Express.co.uk: “I am astounded that even 14 percent think Stanley Johnson, with the allegations surrounding his attitude towards women, is worthy of an honour.
“Out of the tens of millions of UK citizens who could be recognised in this way, why pay tribute to Mr Johnson senior?”
Mr Brake added: “Even the suggestion that he should be honoured brings into severe disrepute the whole honours system.
“It is time to replace it with a system of independent nominations so that in future, a PM can’t nominate their father, brother or their hairdresser for national recognition.”
Boris Johnson, who was forced out of Downing Street last September after a series of scandals, is said to have included his father as one of as many as 100 names put forward for honours.
Reports Mr Johnson had been included by his son in his honours list were met with fury by the opposition and some Tory MPs.
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Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer called it “absolutely outrageous” and “ridiculous”.
Former Brexit secretary David Davis said it was “ridiculous” and “corrosive”.
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick told BBC Question Time that prime ministers should “absolutely not” give honours to family members.
He said: “My personal view is it isn’t sensible for a former prime minister to nominate members of their own family for honours.”
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Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also said he would not hand honours to family members in a thinly-veiled swipe.
Asked if prime ministers should honour relatives, Mr Sunak told reporters earlier this month: “For me a big success is remembering to get my dad a card on Fathers’ day, so that is probably about my limit of it.”
Pressed if that should be taken as a “no”, he said: “Yes. As I said, if I am doing a card I’m doing well. Love my dad as I do.”
The PM added he would not comment on “speculation” about his predecessor-but-one’s honours list.
Rachel Johnson, Stanley Johnson’s daughter, said it was a matter of speculation, but added: “I don’t expect there’s going to be a national outpouring of joy, if my father is going to [arise as] Sir Stanley.”
Boris Johnson faced accusations of cronyism in 2020, after he nominated his brother Jo Johnson for a peerage.
In 2021, senior Tory MP Caroline Nokes and a journalist publicly accused Stanley Johnson of touching them at Conservative party conferences.
Ms Nokes, who chairs the Commons Women and Equalities Committee, accused Stanley Johnson of forcefully smacking her on the backside and making a vulgar comment at the Conservative Party conference in 2003.
Stanley Johnson said he had “no recollection” of either incident.
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