Key Takeaways
- Two of Keir Starmer’s closest allies, Anneliese Dodds and Jonathan Ashworth, have been named in the new year honours list.
- Anneliese Dodds has been named a dame for her services, while Jonathan Ashworth has been awarded a CBE for his political and parliamentary service, as well as his charity work.
- Other political figures, including Sarah Clarke, Adam Ingram, and Chris Ruane, have also received awards for their services to politics and other fields.
Introduction to the New Year Honours List
The new year honours list has been released, and two of Keir Starmer’s closest allies have been recognized for their services. Anneliese Dodds, the former international development minister, has been named a dame, while Jonathan Ashworth, the former shadow health secretary, has been awarded a CBE. Both Dodds and Ashworth have been long-time supporters of Starmer and have played important roles in his leadership of the Labour Party. Dodds was one of Starmer’s oldest parliamentary allies and served as shadow chancellor during his early days as leader, while Ashworth was a key member of the shadow cabinet and led the Labour Together thinktank until July.
The Careers of Anneliese Dodds and Jonathan Ashworth
Anneliese Dodds has had a long and distinguished career in politics, serving as the MP for Oxford East since 2017. She was appointed as shadow chancellor by Starmer in 2020 but was replaced by Rachel Reeves in 2021. Dodds also served as development and equalities minister in government but resigned in February over plans to cut international aid to fund an increase in defence spending. Jonathan Ashworth, on the other hand, served in the shadow cabinet for the entirety of Starmer’s time as leader of the opposition. He was unexpectedly defeated in the July 2024 general election but has continued to be involved in politics, heading the Labour Together thinktank until July. Ashworth has also been recognized for his charity work, particularly in the area of supporting children of alcoholics, a cause that is close to his heart.
Reaction to the Honours
Both Dodds and Ashworth have expressed their delight at being recognized in the new year honours list. Dodds said that she was thrilled to have received a damehood, adding that it was a team effort and that she was grateful to everyone who had supported her throughout her career. Ashworth, on the other hand, said that he was "completely bowled over" by the award and that it was an honor to be recognized for his work. He also hoped that the award would bring greater recognition to the issue of children growing up with alcoholic parents, a cause that he has spoken publicly about and is passionate about.
Other Recipients of Awards
In addition to Dodds and Ashworth, several other political figures have been recognized in the new year honours list. Sarah Clarke, the former Black Rod, has been awarded a damehood for her services to parliament. Clarke was the first woman to hold the position of Black Rod and served for over seven years. Adam Ingram, the former Labour MP for East Kilbride, has been made a knight for his services to politics, while Chris Ruane, the former Welsh Labour MP for the Vale of Clwyd, has been made an OBE for his parliamentary and political service, as well as his work on wellbeing. These awards recognize the important contributions that these individuals have made to politics and public service.
Conclusion
The new year honours list is a recognition of the important work that individuals have done in various fields, including politics. The awards given to Anneliese Dodds and Jonathan Ashworth are a testament to their dedication and hard work, and it is fitting that they have been recognized in this way. The other recipients of awards, including Sarah Clarke, Adam Ingram, and Chris Ruane, have also made significant contributions to politics and public service, and their awards are well-deserved. Overall, the new year honours list is a celebration of the achievements of individuals who have made a positive impact in their fields.