Sunak Awards Peerages to May and Key Allies as Polls Close in General Election

Former Prime Minister Theresa May Awarded Peerage

In a recent announcement made shortly before the general election polls closed, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also bestowed a peerage on his chief aide, Liam Booth-Smith.

Journalist Samuel Osborne, handle: @samuelosborne

Thursday, July 4, 2024, 23:

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has awarded life peerages to ex-Prime Minister Theresa May and Sir Graham Brady, previously the head of the powerful 1922 Committee, a key group within the Conservative Party.

Mr. Sunak bestowed a peerage on his close aide Liam Booth-Smith, as part of a dissolution honors list revealed just under an hour before polling stations closed in the general election.

Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden, former chief whip Julian Smith, ex-defence secretary Ben Wallace, and Scottish secretary Alister Jack have all been awarded knighthoods. Additionally, ex-cabinet minister Therese Coffey has been honored with the title of dame.

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Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Dame Eleanor Laing, previous Cabinet Minister Chris Grayling, and ex-MP Craig Mackinlay, who lost his hands and feet to sepsis, have been granted peerages.

Former COP26 leader and government minister Sir Alok Sharma has been elevated to the peerage.

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Learn more: Exit survey indicates a massive victory for Labour. Insight: Exit survey suggests a major defeat for the Conservatives. Guide: Expert tips on tracking election outcomes.

Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer has recommended several longstanding members for peerages, among them Labour stalwarts Dame Margaret Beckett, Harriet Harman, and Dame Margaret Hodge, in addition to ex-chair of the Parliamentary Labour Party, John Cryer.

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Ex-minister Kevan Jones, known for his advocacy on behalf of sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal, along with former deputy speaker Dame Rosie Winterton and seasoned former whip John Spellar, will also be appointed to the House of Lords.

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