Great Britain: "Times": Johnson wants to have father appointed Sir

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has once again been accused of nepotism.

Great Britain: "Times": Johnson wants to have father appointed Sir

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has once again been accused of nepotism. In the traditional "Resignation Honours", with which the British heads of government can honor deserving personalities after their departure, the conservative politician wants to have his father Stanley Johnson (82) honored with the title "Sir", reports the Times newspaper. The former MEP is one of around 100 people on Johnson's list.

The Times criticized the plans as morally wrong. Culture Minister Michelle Donelan, on the other hand, was relaxed. There are much bigger problems, she told broadcaster LBC.

Other personal details could also cause excitement. According to the Times, Johnson wants to appoint four incumbent Conservative MPs, including his confidante Nadine Dorries, to life members of the House of Lords. That would trigger new elections in the constituencies of the parliamentarians - according to polls, the Tories are threatened with serious defeats.

Tricky situation for Rishi Sunak

The final decision on the "Resignation Honors" rests with the current Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak. If Sunak vetoes the wishes of his internal critic Johnson, the dispute between the politicians is likely to escalate. However, if he approves the proposals of his predecessor, Sunak himself is likely to come under criticism.

Even before Johnson, prime ministers honored party friends or close associates with their "resignation honors". However, the 58-year-old has already appointed dozens of members of the House of Lords, including his brother Jo as Baron Johnson of Marylebone. Critics have long called for reform of the nomination process. With more than 800 members, the House of Lords is the largest parliamentary chamber in the world after the Chinese People's Congress.

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