Cabinet Office Confirms Multiple Honours Forfeitures Throughout 2026
The British government stripped individuals of their state honors across two distinct waves in March and October 2026 following criminal convictions, professional censures, and findings of bringing the system into disrepute. The Cabinet Office published the forfeiture lists, removing MBEs, OBEs, and higher honors.
March 2026 Forfeitures Follow Criminal Convictions and Professional Censures
Eight individuals lost their state distinctions in March 2026. Ian Ashbolt, Lloyd Hamilton, Paul Rose, Graham Trewhella, and Stuart Hogg each forfeited their MBEs following criminal convictions, according to the Cabinet Office records. Stuart Hogg received his MBE in 2024 before losing it in March 2026.
Additional March penalties targeted professional conduct and reputational damage. Nigel O’Connor and Tony Reilly lost their MBE and OBE respectively due to professional censures. Angela Middleton and Anant Shah forfeited their MBE and OBE after being found to have brought the honours system into disrepute.
October 2026 Actions Target Senior Military and Community Figures
Five additional forfeitures took effect in October 2026. Due to professional censure, Ben Key lost the CBE given to him in 2016 alongside the KCB he had obtained in 2021. Ian Hudson forfeited an OBE received in 2020 after a criminal conviction. Maqsood Ahmad and Nirpal Riat lost OBEs originally granted in 2010 and 2011 for bringing the honours system into disrepute. Charles Montegriffo forfeited an MBE received in 2007 following a criminal conviction.
Oxfordshire Conservative Leader Commends State Honors Protections
Following the stripping of Jeffrey Donaldson’s knighthood, Liam Walker, who leads the Oxfordshire Conservatives, praised His Majesty earlier in 2026 for safeguarding the value and integrity of the honours system. Donaldson led the Democratic Unionist Party between 2021 and 2024 and participated in a well-publicised debate in 2004. A series of historical sex offences committed against two women during their childhood recently resulted in a 15-year prison sentence for Donaldson over the past week.
Honours are awarded to recognise outstanding service and achievement, and anyone convicted of serious criminal offences has forfeited the privilege of holding them,
Mr Walker stated. Stripping those honours helps protect the integrity and value of the honours system.
Frequently Asked Questions About State Honors Forfeitures
Which official government body maintains the honours forfeiture list?
The Cabinet Office publishes and maintains the official lists detailing individuals who have forfeited their state honours.
What specific grounds lead to the removal of a British honour?
Honours are removed following criminal convictions, formal professional censures, or actions deemed to have brought the honours system into disrepute.
When did Jeffrey Donaldson lose his knighthood?
Jeffrey Donaldson was stripped of his knighthood earlier in 2026, coming before the 15-year prison term handed down to him over the past week for historical sex offences against two female victims when they were minors.