MP says honours system 'needs reforming' as 700,000 petition against Tony Blair knighthood

Eastwood and Ashfield’s MP has expressed his concerns after former prime minister Tony Blair received a knighthood this month.

The ex-Labour leader, who was in power from 1997 to 2007, was given the title as the New Year's Honours were awarded.

But Eastwood MP Lee Anderson has spoken out against the decision.

He said: “Most people will agree that there are many more deserving people of this award than Tony Blair and there is a reason why he has waited more than 14 years for it.

“I would say he has done very well financially from his time in politics and that should be enough reward for a man who is now deeply unpopular in places like Ashfield."

Mr Anderson’s opinion comes as more than 700,000 people nationally have signed a petition calling for the former Prime Minister to have his knighthood removed.

He added: “People will be looking at this and thinking the Honours system needs reforming and I agree.

“I am not a big fan of the system to be honest. I do not understand why pop stars and footballers get these awards.

“The awards should be for ordinary people doing extraordinary things.”