Cronyism claims as at least seven Tory donors included inon honours list

John Griffin, who gave £3m, and Tim Martin, who backed Vote Leave, among donors to receive knighthoods

• Amanda Blanc and Mary Portas among business figures in list

Rishi Sunak is facing accusations of cronyism after at least seven Conservative donors were given honours in the new year list of awards, including knighthoods for the taxi firm founder John Griffin and the Wetherspoon’s boss Tim Martin.

Griffin, the founder of Addison Lee, has given £3m to the Conservatives and is knighted for services to industry and charity. Martin, who donated £400,000 to the Vote Leave campaign and £50,000 to the Tories in the 2019 election, is knighted for services to hospitality and culture. More recently, Martin has given £25,000 to Nigel Farage’s Reform party.