Theresa May said she will not intervene with David Cameron’s honours list despite calls for her to block it amid “cronyism” claims.
The Prime Minister announced she would not be involved in the official approval of Mr Cameron’s resignation honours list because it would "set a very bad precedent”.
Mrs May today faced calls to intervent with the list following accusations the former Prime Minister is rewarding allies, party donors and staff, including his wife’s stylist.
But a Downing Street spokeswoman said: “It is standard for an outgoing prime minister to submit a resignation list.
"The names on the list were at the former prime minister's discretion and they will now go through all the proper processes and committees.
"It would set a very bad precedent for a new prime minister to interfere in the official processes."
Labour politicians are calling for changes to the system, with deputy leader Tom Watson saying the decision risks undermining Mrs May’s reputation.
He said: "I hope Theresa May is not going stake her reputation on David Cameron's old boys network.
"That Mr Cameron proposes to reward his friends network on such a huge scale will not only bring the honours system into disrepute, it will undermine the reputation of the Theresa May.
"It's cronyism, pure and simple and proof the Tories will always put their own interests before those of the country."
Shadow home secretary tweeted: “The Honours Committee should turn down Cameron's list. If they accept it, will destroy any remaining shred of respect for the honours system.”
Labour leadership challenger Owen Smith also called for a revamp of the system in light of the controversy.
"I'm disappointed that the former prime minister should use the system to slap his friends on the back,” he said.
“Yet it shows just how warped a sense of perspective this Tory party has governed with.”
The row was sparked after the Sunday Times published an article about the leaked list, which includes
four pro-EU cabinet colleagues, Philip Hammond, Michael Fallon, Patrick McLoughlin, and David Lidington.
Mr Cameron also reportedly requested honours for dismissed chancellor George Osborne and head of the failed pro-Remain campaign Will Straw.
Among those reported to be recommended for OBEs is Isabel Spearman, who helped Samantha Cameron with her diary and outfits for various engagements.
It was also claimed Mr Cameron recommended knighthoods for major Tory donors Ian Taylor and Andrew Cook.
