Downing Street ‘not aware’ of Stanley Johnson knighthood plans

Unlucky Stanley

Boris Johnson is poised to release his resignation honours list, but according to his spokesperson has said he is "not aware" of the prime minister holding discussions to secure his father a knighthood. The prime minister was thought to be planning to put Stanley Johnson into the House of Lords as part of a tradition allowing him to recommend certain appointments before leaving No 10. Over the weekend, the Sunday Times reported that Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries is also expected to receive a peerage. The Secretary of State is understood to be hoping to ascend into the upper chamber away from frontline politics, and use her free time to write novels. Paul Dacre, the former editor of the Daily Mail, and billionaire Tory party donor Michael Hintze are also thought to be on the list. Around Westminster, Members of Parliament are said to be feeling "anxious" about the prime minister still remaining in Number 10. Vice-chair of the 1922 Committee Nusrat Ghani speaking to the BBC said "there is some anxiety still" around Johnson's presence. I do get contacted by colleagues from all sides of the party and there has been disquiet that we haven’t had a situation where there was a caretaker prime minister in place. “But I really do think that ship has sailed and I firmly think that as the 1922, we just need to now focus on running a really smooth and efficient leadership election. “You are right, there is some anxiety still, but I think we just need to focus on the next stage.” Related Links

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