Boris Johnson knighted his father before leaving Downing Street

British prime ministers have the right to draw up an “honor roll” when they leave office, a way to encourage later promotion.

Shortly before Boris Johnson stepped down as Prime Minister, he placed his father’s name on a list that would allow him to be knighted by the British Crown.

The “list of honors” that 10 Downing Street’s tenants could make when they leave was drawn up when Boris Johnson resigned in September.

A controversial appointment in more ways than one

The appointment was revealed by a British newspaper The Times, Boris Johnson has already come to rest on the question of a relative who has been accused in the past. In July 2020, he had His brother Joe Johnson was awarded ‘Peer of the UK’ statusIt allowed him to sit in the House of Lords, one of the two chambers of the British Parliament.

Another controversial aspect of Stanley Johnson’s appointment: the former prime minister’s father Subject to sexual assault allegations From 2021 onwards. Conservative MP Caroline Noakes and political journalist Ailbe Rea allege he touched them inappropriately at Conservative Party conferences in 2003 and 2019.

Stanley Johnson says he doesn’t remember Caroline Noakes, now chair of the House of Commons Gender Equality Committee. He did not comment on the journalist’s allegation.

There has been no comment from the Johnsons at this point

Confronted with these elements, Boris Johnson’s spokesman explained that he “does not comment on honours”. Stanley Johnson was also contacted by UK media but did not comment at the time of writing this article. Boris Johnson’s father, 82, was a member of the Conservative Party and an MEP. He is the author of many novels and essays.

The Times The list, established by Boris Johnson, has around 100 names, making it “much longer” than his predecessors Theresa May and David Cameron, he said. It is currently under review by the Downing Street administration.

In the United Kingdom, higher education is honorific and now only allows a “noble” person to use the title “Sir”.