Liz Truss, the UK's former prime minister with the briefest term, has incited public fury by granting 11 political associates with peerages and honors after serving only 49 days. She made controversial choices, including awarding key proponents of Brexit and a significant Conservative Party donor with positions in the House of Lords.
Traditionally, departing prime ministers have the prerogative to distribute such accolades. However, given her negligible and tumultuous time in office marked by an economic crisis triggered by her tax-cutting budget there were calls for her successor, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, to prevent her from presenting her nominations. Despite this, Truss named three major supporters to the Lords and bestowed various honors on ex-advisors and Tory MPs.
Criticisms came swiftly from opposition members. Labour MP Jonathan Ashworth lambasted the decision on BBC, arguing that Truss's administration’s policies hiked costs for families. Liberal Democrat Daisy Cooper echoed the sentiment, accusing Sunak of failing to stop Truss from rewarding her so-called 'cronies' following her damaging policy decisions. This furor adds to a previous controversy involving Sunak and
Boris Johnson concerning
Johnson's honors list.
Defending her actions, Truss proclaimed her pleasure in honoring individuals who advocate for conservative principles and Britain's sovereignty.