LIZ Truss is reportedly drawing up an honours list which could reward the people who propelled her to power - despite holding onto the top job for just six weeks.
Downing Street has said the convention was that Prime Ministers were entitled to bestow honours, the Daily Telegraph reports.
Truss could choose to ennoble those who helped her rise to the top, though no names have been discussed as yet, the paper reports.
But it could see deeply controversial figures who are close to Truss being knighted or even elevated to the House of Lords.
Kwasi Kwarteng, who served as chancellor for just 38 days and presided over the disastrous mini-budget, could be rewarded as a close friend and ally of the Prime Minister – or to make amends for his sacking.
READ MORE: Shocking poll shows Tories would win just ONE seat at Westminster
Another person who could be in line for awards is Mark Fullbrook, the PM’s chief of staff who was interviewed by the FBI in connection with a probe into an assassination plot and who retains a 10% stake in a lobbying firm with a history of questionable clients including a Big Tobacco company and the Saudi Arabian Government.
And Jason Stein, who was briefly suspended as a Downing Street spin doctor over allegations he had briefed the press against former chancellor Sajid Javid, calling him “shit”, could be looking forward to a sweetener for his service to the PM.
Tommy Sheppard, the SNP’s constitutional affairs spokesperson, said the prospect Truss could reward her supporters despite her short and chaotic spell at the top showed “how corrupt the Westminster system is”.
And he slammed the pension the Prime Minister can draw - £115,000 per year for the rest of her life.
READ MORE: Labour MP QUITS after 'serious sexual misconduct' probe
He said: “That a failed Prime Minister, who in just 44 days crashed the economy and caused untold chaos, can reward her supporters and pals with peerages is an absolute disgrace.
“What’s worse is the hefty payout Truss and her ministers are set to receive, a kick in the teeth for all those struggling households her government refused to support through a cost-of-living crisis of their making. They should refuse it after taking a sledgehammer to the economy.
“Westminster is completely stuck in the past and unfit for purpose, it’s imperative Scotland gets away from that sham of a place before it can cause more damage.
“The idea that Westminster is a functioning democratic parliament is laughable now, with yet another Prime Minister set to be chosen by a select few Conservative members while the last one commits to increasing the size of the already bloated unelected House of Lords.
“It’s never been more clear that Scotland is set on a different, more democratic path, one that we now need the full powers of independence to maintain.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay said the idea of "a disastrous leader, who lasted all of seven weeks and crashed the economy, ennobling people for life" is "beyond farcical".
She added: "It would underline how broken, corrupt and unfit for purpose the whole archaic system is.
"Nobody should ever be given an unelected seat as a legislator under any circumstances, let alone the donors and cronies that usually fill these shameful lists.
"Every day of chaotic Tory rule makes it even clearer that Scotland must take a different and better path. We can become a modern, democratic and independent nation in Europe, one that practices transparency and accountability, rather than staying tied to this tired and discredited Westminster system.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel