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GuardianMar 20
UK PM Sunak Criticized for Awarding Tory Donor Knighthood
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The Facts
UK PM Rishi Sunak is facing criticism for awarding Conservative Party donor and senior treasurer Mohamed Mansour a knighthood within his suprise March 2024 honors and appointments list.
In 2023, Mansour gifted £5M (US$6.3M) to the Conservative party, making him the third largest Tory donor behind the late Lord John Sainsbury (£10.2M/$12.9M), and Frank Hester (£10M/$12.6M).
The Spin
Right narrative
Whilst Mansour's knighthood has certainly sparked controversy, this shouldn't overshadow the extreme irregularity of a surprise honors list — only fueling speculation over the date of the next general election. In light of Frank Hester's recent scandal, for several Sunak loyalists to be gifted within an ad hoc honors list suggests the prime minister is attempting to secure support before his future is placed in the hands of the British public.
Left narrative
Sunak's honors list — which rewards influential donors with peerages despite recent controversy over their behavior and influence within British politics —has only further reaffirmed his open cronyism and highlighted that even he believes he's on the way out. Readers can rest assured that, regardless of Sunak's unethical attempts to secure support, the prime minister will undoubtedly soon be removed at the next general election.