Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Carlo Simone

Conor Burns on track for knighthood despite 'serious misconduct' claim

Conor Burns, who was sacked from the Conservative Party this week due to a "serious misconduct" complaint, appears set to receive a knighthood in Boris Johnson’s resignation honours list.

The Times reported that Burns is "among a handful of loyalist MPs expected to be honoured by the former prime minister".

Prime Minister Liz Truss is thought to be unable to block the nomination, the newspaper also reported. 

Burns had held the position of Minister of State for Trade Policy in Liz Truss's government, but has now had the whip suspended.

%image('16022430', type="article-full", alt="Conor Burns was sacked from the Conservative Party over a serious misconduct complaint (PA)")

This is pending an investigation into “allegations of inappropriate behaviour” earlier this week at the Conservative party conference in Birmingham.

A No 10 spokesperson said yesterday: “Following a complaint of serious misconduct, the Prime Minister has asked Conor Burns MP to leave the Government with immediate effect.

“The Prime Minister took direct action on being informed of this allegation and is clear that all ministers should maintain the high standards of behaviour – as the public rightly expects.”

In a tweet responding to this Burns said that he "look forward to clearing my name" and that he hoped the party would be quick to conduct an enquiry into the situation as they were to "rush to judgement".

What are resignation honours?

Resignation honours are honours granted at the behest of an outgoing UK prime minister following their resignation.

The list is sent to the Cabinet Office for propriety checks, with peerages sent to the House of Lords Appointments Commission for vetting.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.