Theresa May blames David Cameron for the controversial New Year Honours list – even though she’s been PM since July
THERESA May is set to overhaul the honours system after blaming David Cameron for this year's controversial list of appointments.
The PM said that the names had been put forward by the former premier - even though she's been in the top job since July.
Politicians and civil servants including the permanent secretary at the Department for International Development, Mark Lowcock, were given gongs despite public outcry at the use of £12billion of taxpayer's money abroad.
There was also outrage at honours for senior figures at HM Revenue and Customs, who were criticised for the extortionate waiting times on telephone hotlines.
Dominic Johnson got a CBE too - an associate Conservative treasurer who let Mr Cameron stay rent-free in his London home this summer.
No fewer than 15 of Theresa May’s former Home Office staff were showered with awards – including an OBE for her ex-principal private secretary and an MBE for a press officer.
And disgraced ex Tory chairman Lord Feldman’s former chief of staff Alexandra Broadrick was given an OBE.
In other awards, Tory MP Julian Brazier and Labour’s David Crausby were given Knighthoods for political service. Separately, former Lib Dem pensions minister Steve Webb was also made a Sir while Baroness Shirley Williams becomes a Companion of Honour.
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In future, the Government said it will give priority to people who have made a significant contribution to the economy, or boosted social mobility, The Times reported.
It will also reward those who help support young people, help local communities and tackle discrimination.
The new system could be put in place in time for the Queen's Birthday honours which take place in the summer.
Last night Whitehall sources said Mr Cameron's team was in charge of this year's list.
One said: "These things are put together with quite a lot of time to spare."