Criticism has been directed at Rishi Sunak after Mohamed Mansour, a major donor to the Conservative Party, was awarded a knighthood for his work in business, charity, and politics. Mansour is a senior treasurer for the party and donated £5 million in 2020, the largest donation received since 2001. The honours list also included damehoods for former ministers Tracey Crouch and Harriett Baldwin and a knighthood for farming minister Mark Spencer and Conservative MP Philip Davies.
Mansour, who has British citizenship and founded London-based investment firm Man Capital, was also a politician in Egypt and served as a transport minister under Hosni Mubarak. The award of an honour prompted criticism from the Labour Party, with chairperson Anneliese Dodds claiming it demonstrated a “blatant disrespect” for Sunak’s position. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper called the move out of touch and criticised the party’s handling of the economy.
The political affiliations of donors have long been an area of controversy in the UK, with concerns raised over lobbying and undue influence. The prime minister has defended the decision to honour Mansour, pointing to his charity and public service work, including support provided to the Prince’s Foundation, which is now under the purview of the King’s Foundation.
The honours system, which is overseen by the Cabinet Office, recognises those who have made an exceptional contribution in various fields, from politics to charity, the arts, and science. Lists of those awarded honours are usually published at New Year and on the King’s birthday in June
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More