Knighthood for 'public service' to worst Education Secretary in history brings system into disrepute

Was the coveted award for overseeing the Covid exams fiasco? Or forcing heads to reopen schools then shut them a day later? Perhaps failing to organise adequate home schooling then fund catch-up lessons for pupils?

Exactly why was disgraced Tory Gavin Williamson knighted? The worst Education Secretary in history ticking the no publicity box to block photographs of the ceremony suggests he knows the nation would not cheer.

So was the coveted award for overseeing the Covid exams fiasco? Or forcing heads to reopen schools then shut them a day later? Perhaps failing to organise adequate home schooling then fund catch-up lessons for pupils?

Maybe losing to Marcus Rashford over feeding poor kids during school holidays? Possibly confusing the footballer with rugby union player Maro Itoje who is also Black? Telling a civil servant to “slit your throat” and “jump out of the window” were bloodthirsty claims.

Lecturing Russia to “go away and shut up” was quite the moment. Disguising missile launchers as Coca-Cola lorries surely deserved a gong? Then there was his sacking as Defence Secretary, accused of leaking secrets. And a resignation from Cabinet was followed by a humiliating apology for expletive-laden abusive texts to a colleague because he was not invited to the Queen’s funeral.

I could go on and on. Nominated by Boris Johnson in 2022, Sir Gavin’s citation was for public service. For loyal service to the Partygate serial liar would be more accurate. The backroom bruiser masterminded Johnson’s coup to oust Theresa May as PM. That’s why the dishonourable MP was knighted.

I’m a republican and will never forgive a warped establishment for leaving me feeling sympathy for a Princess Royal required to dob kneeling Williamson with a sword at Windsor Castle.

Arise, Sir Gave, you have nothing to lose but your incompetence, shame and disgrace. His is a knighthood bringing the entire honours system into disrepute.