PM rebukes Johnson for ‘unwise’ idea to knight father

RISHI SUNAK has issued a veiled rebuke of Boris Johnson’s plan to knight his father.

Asked if prime ministers should honour members of their family, Mr Sunak replied: “For me, a big success is remembering to get my dad a card on Father’s Day, so that is probably about my limit of it.”

Pressed if that should be read as a “no,” he said: “Yes, as I said, if I am doing a card, I’m doing well. Love my dad as I do.”

His comments came hours after Robert Jenrick, the immigration minister, a close political ally of the Prime Minister, said it would not be “wise” for Mr Johnson to nominate his father, Stanley, a former MEP, in his resignation honours.

Mr Jenrick told BBC’S Question Time that prime ministers should “absolutely not” hand honours to family members.

He said: “Is it, as a principle, wise for a prime minister to nominate a member of their own family for an honour? No, absolutely not.”

There have been calls for Mr Sunak to block Stanley Johnson from being given a knighthood if his name is put forward.

Labour has called on him to block any such nomination.

Speaking on a visit to Paris, Mr Sunak said: “There is always comment and speculation about honours lists beforehand. I’m not going to comment on speculation. I don’t see these things until I see them so it is hard for me to say any more than that.” Pressed again on the principle, the Prime Minister replied: “My dad’s going to get a card on Father’s Day and that is about that.”

Boris Johnson has been asked for comment.