(Image Left to Right: Sir Andy Street, Dame Emily Thornberry, and Sir Sadiq Khan.
The 2024 New Year Honours list celebrates a diverse array of politicians and public servants for their contributions to public life. Among the most notable recipients are London Mayor Sadiq Khan, awarded a knighthood, and senior Labour MP Emily Thornberry, who has been made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Although many are household names, what are the backgrounds of the recipients, the political reactions to their appointments, and the broader implications for the credibility of the UK honours system.
Sir Sadiq Khan: An Historic Three Terms as Mayor
Sadiq Khan, who made history in May 2024 by becoming the first Mayor of London to secure a third term, has been knighted for his services to politics and public life. Raised on a council estate in Tooting, south London, Khan’s journey to the mayoralty began with a career in law, where he established himself as a prominent human rights lawyer.
Entering Parliament in 2005 as MP for Tooting, he later served as a Cabinet Minister under Gordon Brown, notably as Transport Secretary. Khan became Mayor of London in 2016, succeeding Boris Johnson, and has since focused on issues such as air quality, affordable housing, and public transport.
Reacting to his knighthood, Sir Sadiq said: “It’s the honour of my life to serve the city I love. I will continue to build a fairer, safer, greener, and more prosperous London that all communities deserve.”
While many celebrated the recognition, critics, including Conservative Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp, labelled the knighthood a “reward for failure,” citing rising knife crime and unmet housing targets under Khan’s leadership.
Dame Emily Thornberry: A Trailblazer in Politics
Emily Thornberry, the MP for Islington South and Finsbury since 2005, has been awarded a damehood for her political and public service. Thornberry, who currently chairs the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, has had a distinguished career marked by advocacy for social justice and international diplomacy.
As a former Shadow Attorney General, she was a prominent voice on legal and constitutional matters in Labour’s opposition ranks. She reflected on her appointment with a nod to her family history: “I think of my grandmothers, neither of whom were even allowed to work as married women and think how utterly delighted they’d be to see this.”
Thornberry’s career has been defined by her sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to equality, making her damehood a recognition of decades of service to public life.
Honours for Labour Veterans and NHS Advocates
Patricia Hewitt, former Health Secretary under Tony Blair, has been awarded a damehood for her services to healthcare transformation. Now chair of the NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, Dame Patricia has continued her work in healthcare policy, focusing on improving local NHS services.
Veteran Labour MPs Alan Whitehead (Southampton Test) and Kate Hollern (Blackburn) have been honoured with CBEs for their parliamentary contributions. Both have served their constituencies for decades, shaping policy and championing community causes.
Long-time Labour staff member Carol Linforth, Director of Events since 2005, received an OBE for her organisational prowess and dedication to political service.
Community and Campaigner Recognition
Beyond Parliament, grassroots campaigners and public servants have also been recognised. Notably, Nathaniel Dye, a music teacher and NHS campaigner diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer, received an MBE. Dye gained national attention through his poignant appearance in Labour’s election campaign, highlighting the need for urgent healthcare reform.
Similarly, Leslie Scott, former Mayor of Sunderland, and Christine Brazil, a Labour staffer, received MBEs for their political and community service, underlining the breadth of contributions acknowledged in this year’s list.
Sir Andy Street: A One Nation Conservative Honoured
Notable among Conservative recipients is Andy Street, former Mayor of the West Midlands, who has been knighted. Street, who narrowly lost re-election to Labour’s Richard Parker in May 2024, is recognised for his work in economic development and regional investment. Acknowledging the honour, he remarked: “This is an accolade for the people in the West Midlands, whose resilience and innovation have driven progress in our region.”
Final Thoughts: The Credibility of the Honours System
The 2024 New Year Honours list has sparked debate over the role and impartiality of the honours process. While many recipients are celebrated for their achievements, critics argue that political appointments risk undermining public trust. The inclusion of both high-profile figures like Sadiq Khan and grassroots campaigners like Nathaniel Dye demonstrates an attempt to balance recognition across different levels of public service.
However, the political criticisms – such as those levelled against Khan’s knighthood – underscore the need for transparency and accountability in the honours process. As the UK continues to grapple with political division, the honours system must ensure that recognition remains a testament to genuine contributions, free from partisanship.
The appointments this year highlight the potential of the honours system to inspire future leaders, while also serving as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in maintaining its integrity and credibility.
