'Sir Tony Blair'? How cheaply knighthoods come in our broken honours system | Simon Jenkins

Bestowing an award on the former prime minister simply because he once did a job shows how urgently we need reform

So, Anthony Charles Lynton “call me Tony” Blair must now be called Sir Tony. In addition to being “Right Honourable” he is to be the Queen’s Companion, chivalrous and knightly. He is to wear a royal garter, the highest honour the monarch can bestow, and it is her personal decision. Gasps all round. A petition of protest has received almost 700,000 signatures already.

On paper the reason for the garter, not a normal knighthood, is that Blair was once prime minister and all former holders of that office get one, as they once got earldoms. James Callaghan did, as did Margaret Thatcher. The difference is that Blair’s honour has been delayed for 15 years. The palace might argue that there are only three vacancies in the 24-strong companionship and there are four ex-prime ministers waiting, along with other worthy candidates.

Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist

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from The Guardian https://ift.tt/31qx0Lx