Defiance Despite Short Office Tenure

Liz Truss has ignited a heated debate by granting peerages to her allies, despite serving as Prime Minister for only 49 days.

Controversial Choices

Among the recipients are Matthew Elliott and Jon Moynihan, who were instrumental in the Vote Leave campaign and donated £20,000 to Truss's leadership campaign. Ruth Porter, a long-term associate and former chief of staff to Truss, will also receive a Life peerage.

"List of Shame"

The inclusion of these individuals in Truss's honours list has been criticized by the Labour Party, who referred to it as a "list of shame" that was submitted nine months ago.

Pressure on Rishi Sunak

Following the departure of the previous Prime Minister and a mini-Budget disaster, Labour has called on Rishi Sunak to block the peerages. However, Truss remains bullish and defends the decision to honor these individuals.

Avoiding the Controversy

Aides are hopeful that Rishi Sunak will not get involved in the row, as Members of Parliament are currently on recess until January 8.

Criticism from Opposition

Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Jonathan Ashworth accuses Sunak of being weak and out of touch with working people for allowing the peerages. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper also criticizes the move and Sunak's failure to intervene.

Convention and Other Honourees

It is customary for former Prime Ministers to submit a resignation honours list. Truss's list includes eight other colleagues.

Political Tradition vs. Weakness

A government source defends the decision, stating that the convention is for the incumbent Prime Minister not to block political peerage proposals from past Prime Ministers or from Labour Party leaders.