Rishi Sunak Faces Decision on Controversial Honours List: Potential Impact on Byelections.

The UK political landscape is once again buzzing with speculation and debate as Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is reportedly expected to give his approval to Boris Johnson's controversial honours list. This decision has the potential to trigger two byelections, adding further complexity to an already dynamic political environment. Let's delve into the details and explore the implications of this development.

Honours List and its Implications:
According to reports from The Times, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to submit his resignation honours list, containing approximately 50 names, within the next few weeks. While such lists are a customary part of the political transition process, this particular one has drawn attention due to its potential consequences.

Nadine Dorries, the former culture secretary under Johnson, and Alok Sharma, the Cop26 president, are expected to step down from their current positions and accept peerages offered through this honours list. However, their departures could lead to byelections in the autumn, as Dorries represents Mid Bedfordshire, a traditionally safe Tory seat, and Sharma holds the seat in Reading West, Berkshire, with a slim majority.

The Electoral Impact:
Dorries' seat, despite being a safe Tory constituency, could face challenges if there is a significant swing towards Labour following their success in the recent local council elections. On the other hand, Sharma's seat is already delicately balanced, with a narrow majority. These potential byelections could prove pivotal in shaping the political landscape and testing the public's sentiments towards the Conservative Party.

Timing and Sunak's Role:
Insiders suggest that the honours list will likely be published within the next two weeks or before the summer recess in July. Rishi Sunak, as Chancellor of the Exchequer and a key figure in the Conservative Party, holds the responsibility of approving this list. Sunak is reportedly keen to "clear the decks" and move forward, indicating his inclination to sign off on Johnson's recommendations.

The Cabinet Office Investigation:
Critics of Sunak's decision point to the ongoing investigation by the House of Commons privileges committee into Boris Johnson's potential misleading of parliament regarding Covid rule breaches during his tenure as prime minister. Last year, Johnson's honours list was met with controversy due to reports of proposed knighthoods for party donors, aides, and even his own father. Given these concerns, some within the Conservative Party have expressed confusion over Sunak's decision to approve the current list.

Labour's Opposition and Priorities:
Angela Rayner, the deputy leader of the Labour Party, has voiced strong opposition to the honours list, citing fresh allegations against Boris Johnson related to Covid rule breaches. Rayner argues that approving honours for Johnson's allies and supporters should not be a priority, urging Sunak to focus on addressing the pressing cost of living crisis affecting ordinary people.

Conclusion:
As Rishi Sunak stands on the precipice of approving Boris Johnson's honours list, the potential consequences loom large. The possibility of triggering byelections, the ongoing investigations, and public sentiment toward the Conservative Party all add complexity to this decision. Whether Sunak's choice will be met with support or further controversy remains to be seen, but its impact on the political landscape is sure to be significant.