Boris Johnson blasted for putting dad forward for a knighthood - poll results

13 March 2023 , 18:22

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Boris Johnson is pushing to get dad Stanley a knighthood - and a lot of Mirror readers are unimpressed. (Image: Getty Images)

Former PM Boris Johnson's push to get his own father knighted has angered many Mirror readers, who've overwhelmingly blasted the move as 'appalling nepotism'.

As part of his resignation honours list, BoJo has reportedly included dad Stanley in his roll call of 100-strong honourees, which is currently going through vetting, according to the Times.

Boris, who finally left No10 in September after being ousted by his own MPs, previously handed a peerage to his brother Jo Johnson, a former Tory minister, who is now Lord Johnson of Marylebone.

The Uxbridge and South Ruislip MP's hefty wishlist dwarfs the number put through by both his predecessors, with Theresa May nominating 60 and David Cameron putting forward 62.

Loads of you answered our poll , with 1,844 saying 'no - it's appalling nepotism' and just 70 seeing no problem with it.

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As well as chasing the knighthood, Boris has also taken the unusual step of proposing four sitting MPs for crony peerages, including mega-fan Nadine Dorries, Scotland Secretary Alister Jack, ex-Cop26 President Alok Sharma and former minister Nigel Adams.

The four MPs have said to have agreed to defer accepting the honours until the next election to prevent a string of by-elections.

Many of you commented on our initial story, here's a selection of some responses:

'What next - LIz Truss giving her family knighthoods?'

Bcfc2022: "Nothing corrupt would surprise me about the Tory party anymore".

Licker: "Bojo started his working life with a job garnered through nepotism. He lost the job through lying. He got another job via the same route and lost that one too, through lying.

"There is a running theme throughout his life, whether it's his career or his private life, that involves both lying and nepotism and he won't change."

Marg68: "Ridiculous - what exactly did he (Stanley) do? The honour is awarded to members who have made major contributions to any activity, usually at national level. Per tradition, knighthoods and damehoods are presented with a touch of a sword by the King or Queen."

Redalan59: "What next - LIz Truss giving her family knighthoods?"

MJ55: "If a council leader did likewise, she/he would be accused of nepotism".

Sweet caroline: "Boris has gone off the rails".

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Brizzlebabber: "Ridiculous to give relatives and friends honours. What exactly has Stanley done for the country? Absolutely nothing. The honours system has long been suspect and this confirms that all too often it is corrupted."

'Stanley definitely deserves it - along with Boris'

Plug1: "He (Stanley) definitely deserves it, along with Boris.

"All the fantastic work they did with the Ukraine crisis and during Covid, the vaccine, furlough and getting this nation back up and running."

Do YOU agree with the poll results? Speak your mind in the comments below

Paul Speed