Two of Labour leader Keir Starmer's most trusted political allies have been recognised in the latest New Year Honours list, receiving top awards for their public service.
Political Allies Honoured for Service
Anneliese Dodds, the MP for Oxford East, has been made a Dame, while former shadow cabinet minister Jonathan Ashworth has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Both figures have been central to Starmer's political operation in recent years.
Dodds, one of Starmer's oldest parliamentary allies, was appointed shadow chancellor when he became Labour leader in April 2020. She held that role until May 2021, when she was replaced by Rachel Reeves following the party's difficult by-election defeat in Hartlepool. In government, Dodds served as a minister for both international development and equalities. She resigned from the development role in February of this year in protest at plans to cut international aid to fund defence spending increases.
In her response to the honour, Dodds emphasised teamwork, stating: “It’s always about the team – from my MP’s staff to civil servants to party staff, and everyone who makes Oxford East such an amazing place.”
Recognition for Charity Work and Political Career
Jonathan Ashworth, who served in Starmer's shadow cabinet throughout his time as opposition leader, was recognised for his political and parliamentary service, as well as his significant charity work. Ashworth is a prominent campaigner for the children of alcoholics, drawing on his personal experience of growing up with an alcoholic father. He is a patron of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics.
Ashworth unexpectedly lost his Leicester South seat in the July 2024 general election to independent candidate Shockat Adam, having represented the constituency since 2011. Following his election defeat, he took up a role leading the influential Labour Together thinktank, which is closely associated with Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney. The thinktank was fined by the Electoral Commission in 2021 for administrative errors related to donation declarations.
Ashworth said he was “completely bowled over” by the CBE. “I especially hope this also brings greater recognition for every child who grows up in the shadow of alcoholism. Speaking up for the thousands of children who suffer in silence is something that matters deeply to me, shaped by my own experiences growing up,” he added.
Wider Political Honours Announced
The political honours extended beyond Starmer's immediate circle. Sarah Clarke, the former Black Rod who made history as the first woman to hold the 669-year-old role, was also awarded a damehood. She left the post in July after more than seven years of service.
Other political figures recognised include:
- Adam Ingram, the former Labour MP for East Kilbride (1987-2010) who served as a minister under Tony Blair, was knighted.
- Chris Ruane, the former Welsh Labour MP for the Vale of Clwyd, was made an OBE for his parliamentary service and his pioneering work on wellbeing, including establishing a mindfulness programme in Westminster in 2013.
The awards highlight the diverse contributions of figures across the political spectrum, from high-profile shadow ministers to those working on specific social and wellbeing issues within the parliamentary community.
