Keir Starmer is under pressure to stand by his promise not to hand out honours to mark his resignation.

Prime Ministers typically compile a list of gongs when they quit, often rewarding close aides and political allies.

In the past even relatively junior staffers have received OBEs, while others have been granted a peerage in recognition of their dedication. 

However, Sir Keir has been scathing about the convention in the past, and flatly ruled out issuing one.

In 2023, when Boris Johnson's list emerged,  he was asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme whether he would hand out resignation honours.

'No. There are other opportunities,' he replied. 'Tony Blair didn't have a resignation list. It's very hard to justify… 

'There are other avenues for that and I think it's easier to be clean about this and simply say, no, I wouldn't do it.'

Trade minister Chris Bryant endorsed Sir Keir's view at the time saying such lists were 'patent nonsense'.  

No10 has yet to clarify whether Sir Keir will issue a list, which often emerge many months after a premier's departure.

But Tories pointed to his habit of executing U-turns on policies.

Flagging a story about Sir Keir condemning resignation lists, Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty said: 'Worth remembering Keir Starmer's position on resignation honours… His final U-turn?' 

Downing Street dodged on whether Sir Keir was planning a resignation honours list.

The PM's official spokesman said: 'I think it's getting ahead of ourselves a little bit. Anything like that would be updated in due course. You have the PM's previous words on that.'

Sir Keir choked up yesterday as he announced he is quitting, with Andy Burnham closing in on taking control of Downing Street.

The PM talked up his achievements in getting Labour elected – as well as making a series of dubious claims about successes in Government – in a statement outside the famous black door of No10. 

But he acknowledged that his time as PM had run out. 'I know the question being asked now is not who is best placed to change the Labour Party... the question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election.'

He added: 'I accept that answer with good grace... that is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.' 

Sir Keir said there would be an 'orderly' process to choose his replacement, and that a successor would be in place before the Commons summer recess on July 16, if there is only one candidate – Mr Burnham. Otherwise, the decision could take until August.