In a move recommended by Chancellor Rishi Sunak, a prominent Tory donor and four Members of Parliament have been bestowed with honours.

Business magnate Mohamed Mansour, a substantial contributor to the Conservative Party with a £5 million donation in 2023, was knighted for his significant contributions to business, charity, and politics. Mansour, who serves as a senior treasurer within the party, received the honour amidst criticism from Labour Party chairwoman Anneliese Dodds.

Dodds condemned the Prime Minister's recommendation, characterizing it as either a display of arrogance or a disregard for public opinion. She questioned the timing of the announcement, coinciding with Parliament's recess and the approaching Easter holiday weekend.

Sources from 10 Downing Street defended the decision, citing Mansour's philanthropic endeavors, including his support for charitable initiatives like The Prince's Foundation and the Remember Me project at St Paul's Cathedral.

Among the other recipients of honours is Philip Davies, husband of government minister Esther McVey, who has been knighted for his contributions to public and parliamentary service. Former sports minister Tracey Crouch received a damehood for her work on football governance, while farming minister Mark Spencer and Treasury Select Committee chairwoman Harriett Baldwin were both knighted and appointed as a dame, respectively.

Additionally, Democratic Unionist Party MP Gregor Campbell was awarded a CBE.

The honours were recommended to the King by the Prime Minister, with Shipley MP Sir Philip expressing his gratitude and astonishment at the recognition. Sir Philip, who has served as MP for Shipley since 2005, highlighted his appreciation for the support that facilitated the honour. Photo by Matthew Joseph, Wikimedia commons.