Examining the Recipients of the Resignation Honours List

Rishi Sunak has announced his resignation honours list, a tradition where outgoing prime ministers recognize key allies. Former cabinet minister Michael Gove, ex-chief whip Simon Hart, and former Scottish secretary Sir Alister Jack are among those receiving awards.

Michael Gove, who held various cabinet positions throughout his career, including education, environment, and housing secretary, has been granted a peerage. He was a significant figure in Conservative governments, known for influencing leadership bids. He ran for party leadership in 2016, causing a rift with Boris Johnson. He later served in Johnson's cabinet but was dismissed.

Alister Jack, also receiving a peerage, served as Secretary of State for Scotland under multiple prime ministers. He was the Scottish Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway from 2017 to 2024. His nomination is somewhat controversial due to his involvement in a general election betting scandal. He had previously received a knighthood in a separate round of honours.

Simon Hart, who served as chief whip under Rishi Sunak, has also been awarded a peerage. He was a close ally of Sunak and previously served as Secretary of State for Wales. He recently gained attention for publishing a memoir detailing his time in Westminster.

Other recipients include Mark Harper, who served as transport secretary and was a close ally of Sunak, and Victoria Prentis, who was attorney general under Sunak. Eleanor Shawcross, former director of No 10's policy unit, and Stephen Massey, former CEO of Conservative Party headquarters, are also on the list. James Cleverly, who served as both home secretary and foreign secretary, and Jeremy Hunt, who served as chancellor, have been knighted. Mel Stride, former work and pensions secretary, has also been knighted.