The PM honours system's rich history of scandal

  • Politics

Britain's honours system is once again facing calls for reform amid outrage at David Cameron's recommended candidates for titles as he left Number 10.

The outgoing prime minister nominated party donors, close political aides and key figures from the defeated Remain referendum campaign for knighthoods as he became the latest leader to be accused of "cronyism".

The system has a rich history of scandal over the past century in British politics.

Here are three notable controversies:

  • David Lloyd George's notorious bribery

Britain's First World War prime minister, who led the country from 1916 to 1922, was caught out for blatant bribery, selling peerages and other honours in the 1920s for huge sums to boost his Liberal Party.

David Lloyd George, seen in 1922, was caught out while in office. Credit: PA Archive

A barony was available for £50,000, a baronetcy for £25,000 and a knighthood for £15,000.

The Honours (Prevention of Abuses) Act 1925 made it a crime to reward with "title of honour" anyone who has given "any gift, money or valuable consideration".

  • Harold Wilson's Lavender List

Taking its colourful name from the shade of paper used to compile some of the list, Wilson's resignation honours in 1976 were roundly ridiculed.

Names included a knighthood for Joseph Kagan, later convicted of false accounting, and businessman Eric Miller, who committed suicide while his firm was investigated.

Sir Harold Wilson sparked anger with his 1976 honours. Credit: PA Archive

Wilson's publisher, Sir George Weidenfeld, also got a knighthood.

Wilson's press secretary Joe Haines notably turned down a peerage because he did not want to appear on a list alongside people "whom I regarded as undeserving".

  • Tony Blair's "cash-for-honours" controversy

Blair became the first serving prime minister to be interviewed by police as part of a political corruption inquiry in 2006.

The probe followed a complaint from an SNP MP that financial support was being rewarded with honours, reiterating widespread reports that Labour and Tory donors were set for peerages.

Tony Blair was interviewed by police three times in the cash-for-honours investigation. Credit: PA

In 2007, after a £1.4 million, 19-month investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service announced nobody would be charged, as there was no realistic prospect of a conviction.

The Hayden Phillips Review was set up to discuss reforms, with recommendations including a cap on donations and more public funding. Cross-party talks broke down without agreement.