2 Of Keir Starmer's Oldest Allies Receive Gongs In New Year Honours List

Two of prime minister Keir Starmer’s closest allies have been rewarded in the New Year honours list.

Anneliese Dodds served as the international development minister up until she resigned in February 2025 over foreign aid cuts.

Now a dame, she previously sat as an MEP until 2017 when she was elected as the MP for Oxford East, a role she still holds.

She also briefly sat as shadow chancellor until May 2021 – the first woman to hold the position.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Ashworth – Labour’s so-called attack dog while the party was in opposition and shadow health secretary – has been awarded with a CBE.

He unexpectedly lost his seat in the last general election to independent, pro-Gaza candidate Shockat Adam.

Formerly MP for Leicester South, Ashworth briefly worked as the head of the influential think tank Labour Together, but left that role in July.

The think tank – credited with helping steer Starmer’s Labour leadership campaign – has been in the spotlight this year amid concerns over with past donation transparency.

Ashworth received his CBE for political and parliamentary service, and for his charity work on behalf of children of alcoholics.

Dodds welcomed the news of her damehood, writing on X: “I’m delighted to have received this honour.

“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.”

Ashworth said he was “completely bowled over” when he found out he was receiving a CBE, adding: “It was never something I expected.

“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.”