Whitehall blocks David Cameron's 'cronies' honours list over ethical concerns

David Cameron’s resignation honours list has allegedly been blocked by mandarins in Whitehall over concerns surrounding the suitability of several of the nominations.

The former prime minister was expected to hand out honours to some of his closest aides at No 10 in a move which risked starting another “cronies” row.

However, according to The Times, the Cabinet Office and the Lords Appointments Commission has raised ethical concerns about some of the names put forward. Craig Oliver and Ed Llewellyn, two of David Cameron’s most senior advisers, are thought to be rewarded in Mr Cameron's resignation honours list, which is due to be published in a few weeks’ time. 

The pair are among a dozen key staff – many of whom have worked with Mr Cameron since he became Tory leader in 2005 – who Mr Cameron hopes will receive official recognition.

A source told the newspaper: “David Cameron put forward a number of names. Some of them did not even make it past the first hurdle – the Cabinet Office.

Ed Llewellyn, David Cameron's chief of staff CREDIT: STEVE BACK / BARCROFT IMAGES

“Cameron’s surviving team are having a series of difficult discussions with them to try and get through as many as possible.”

A separate source added: “Given Cameron is well aware of what is involved it should come as no surprise that they are running into difficulties and it is pretty brazen of him to have tried in the first place.”

Traditionally the resignation honours lists are published some weeks after a prime minister vacates 10 Downing Street in the London Gazette.

Craig Oliver, former No 10 director of communications CREDIT: STEVE BACK / BARCROFT IMAGES

John Mann, the Labour MP for Bassetlaw,  said it was "hugely embarassing" for Mr Cameron.

He said: “It’s hugely embarrassing for David Cameron and it raises lots of ethical questions that there has been this delay,” he said.

“There must obviously be a reason for the delay – and a good one.

David Cameron with his wife Samantha and children speaks with the press before leaving 10 Downing Street CREDIT: CHRISTOPHER FURLONG/GETTY IMAGES

“The fact that his special advisers got this huge unprecedented payoff when everyone else is having pay freezes shows that his exit from No 10 is not turning out to be very dignified at all.”

The former Labour prime minister Harold Wilson was mired in controversy in 1976 when his resignation honours list included businessmen whose principles were seen as against those of the Labour Party. 

It was swiftly dubbed the “Lavender list” because of a claim that it was made by Marcia Falkender on lavender-coloured note paper.

Downing Street has not commented.