Downing Street Says » Honours List

Asked for further information on the Committee Honours Chairmen list, the PMS explained that it was a Written Ministerial Statement from the Prime Minister. It detailed the new chairs of the Honours Committees. The new Committees had been established as a result of the two reviews of the Honours system, which had been carried out by Haydn Philips and the Public Administration Select Committee. Various recommendations were put forward, one of which was that the chairs of these committees should be appointed. The chairs announced today had applied for the posts and their applications had been dealt with through the Nolan principles. The PMS said that previously, the committees had been chaired by civil servants. These new Committees would scrutinise the Honours lists to be published at New Year. It was part of the new transparency that surrounded the Honours system.

Asked why the Honours list was "stuffed full of establishment figures", the PMS said she did not agree with the premise of the question. The new chairs had applied for the posts, and had gone through an appointment procedure. They were clearly people who had vast experience, not only in public and business life, but also in their personal life, and had been appointed on merit.

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So, what was the actual selection process by which these dignitaries were appointed to chair the Committees – Nolan ‘principles’ notwithstanding? And what were the criteria for shortlisting candidates to be interviewed (by whom?).

– I just wonder whether my own splendid application got lost in the post or was quietly dumped. You know how it is, these days you’ve got to constantly watch your back whilst keeping an eye on the main chance – and it gives me such a headache, having to squint like that all the time. Perhaps it’s why Jack Straw gave up on the glasses.

Mind you, I guess it could be the explanation for there being so many short-sighted and/or cock-eyed ministers.
Comment by Chuck Unsworth — 14 Jun 2005 on 4:54 pm | Link
I’m not sure how many people caught it, but "Yes, Minister" shown on the Beeb the night before was about the ‘Honours’ system – poignant and very amusing.
Comment by Russell Long — 15 Jun 2005 on 1:49 pm | Link
Yes, I saw that… love that word "honour" – such an expedient term, especially in the political context.
Comment by auntyq38 — 15 Jun 2005 on 6:26 pm | Link

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» Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Honours List

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