Tom Watson MP, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, following reports in the Sunday Papers that Theresa May will abolish resignation honours, said:
“Mrs May’s commitment to end the outdated tradition of resignation honours is welcome.
"She must now outline the process and timetable for removing the powers of outgoing Prime Ministers to shower their cronies with titles. Labour will of course co-operate with any emergency legislation required.
"May must also give a guarantee that, in the event of her early departure from office, she will not take part in this discredited tradition.
"Following the shabby manner in which names on the honours list were revealed in advance of a public announcement, I have written to the Head of the Civil Service to demand a leak inquiry, and call upon Mrs May to initiate it immediately.”
Notes to editorsTom Watson MP has written to Theresa May to demand clarification of reports in the Sunday papers that she will put an end to the tradition of resignation honours, following this week’s list of Cameron’s friends and donors.
He has also written to the Head of the Civil Service to demand a leak inquiry.
Letter in full:
Dear Mrs May, We have had a week of very damaging revelations about the number of friends and associates your predecessor David Cameron has awarded honours and peerages. This affair has undermined the credibility of the honours system and is embarrasing to colleagues in the House of Lords. It cannot have escaped your attention that this is not just my view but that of a number of Conservative party peers like Lord Tebbit.  
Perhaps most regrettably, it will be disheartening for all those people who have worked hard to serve this country and who have been humbled and excited at receiving an honour in the past.
I was delighted to read reports in the Sunday papers that you are going to scrap the outdated and easily abused tradition of resignation honours lists. For reference, your commitment is widely reported today in a number of newspapers:
‘PM’s resignation honours ‘will be the last’’ (Sunday Telegraph p4) – ‘End of gongs for PM chums’ (Sun p2) – ‘Lords: going, going … gong’ (Sunday Mirror p2) – ‘May to end gong show’ (Mail on Sunday p16)
Your commitment to ending the current arrangements is very welcome. The impact of the changes will be of comfort to the people who have legitimately received honours for service to the UK.
I would be grateful if you could outline the timetable for removing the discretionary powers of Prime Ministers to award resignation honours to their acquaintances and friends. How will the power be removed? It seems to me it may require primary legislation.
Rest assured Labour will co-operate with any emergency legislation you would like to bring forward when the Commons sits next month. In light of the seriousness of the matter, please also give a guarantee that, in the event of your early departure from office, you will not use the discretionary power yourself. It’s important that you lead by example and are seen to be doing so.
Finally, the names on the honours list were leaked in advance of a public announcement. I have written to the Permanent Secretary to ask when a leak inquiry is going to be initiated. I trust such an inquiry enjoys your full support but for clarity, I’d be grateful if you could confirm this in writing.  
Yours sincerely,
Tom Watson MP
Deputy Leader of the Labour Party