Major: hands tied over Honours List

Blair Cuts Political Honours from List

However, it is thought likely that at least some of the names will be included in Mr Major's resignation honours list, which is expected to be published next month. Tony Blair is unlikely to amend that list.

Normally, some 40 to 45 people, including a handful of long-serving Tory MPs, receive honours for political services.

In this case, they had not been notified in advance that they were being considered for recognition. Normally potential recipients are told about six weeks ahead to give them the opportunity to refuse if they wish.

Otherwise, Mr Blair made no amendments to the Birthday Honours list, which was drawn up before the general election and which he inherited.

The Prime Minister's rejection of John Major's list was criticised as "undiluted political spite".

The Tory MP Roger Gale accused Mr Blair of dangerous arrogance for failing to acknowledge the lifelong contributions to public service of some of the Conservatives on the list.

"It is becoming clear that Blair is seeking to establish a presidential style of Government that has no regard for his own side in the House of Commons, much less any other," said Mr Gale, the MP for North Thanet.

"But he is also sending out a clear signal that public service is neither honourable nor worthy of recognition and that is a very dangerous road to tread," he added.

The New Year Honours list, the first, effectively, over which the new Prime Minister has control, will cover all walks of life with an emphasis on voluntary and public service.

Mr Blair will be pressing for recognition for those working in education, crime prevention, and health care, in particular.

The Prime Minister has not yet decided that a review of the honours system should be put in hand, although this cannot be ruled out in the longer term.

A list of new working life peers is expected next month at about the same time as the resignation honours list, which normally contains about 50 names.

Selfless Courage Rewarded in Honours List