A DISTRICT MP has been recommended for a knighthood by prime minister Rishi Sunak.

Shipley MP Philip Davies – whose constituency includes Cullingworth and Denholme – has been put forward for the honour in recognition of his public and parliamentary service.

Speaking about the proposed knighthood, Mr Davies said: “Obviously I’m absolutely delighted. I am somewhat flabbergasted as well, to be honest!

“It feels very surreal and I’m somewhat in shock.”

He added: “I am just immensely grateful to everybody who has enabled it to happen.”

Mr Davies has been MP for Shipley since 2005 and he hosted a GB News show with wife and fellow Conservative MP Esther McVey until she gave up the presenting role to return to Government as minister without portfolio in November last year.

A major Tory donor and three other MPs have also been recommended to receive knighthoods by the prime minister.

Businessman Mohamed Mansour, who gave £5 million to the Tories in 2023 and is a senior treasurer for the party, is being recognised for his contributions to business, charity and political service.

Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds hit out at the prime minister for recommending the honour.

She said: “This is either the arrogant act of an entitled man who’s stopped caring what the public thinks, or the demob-happy self-indulgence of someone who doesn’t expect to be prime minister for much longer.

“Either way, it shows a blatant disrespect for the office he should feel privileged to hold.”

Senior sources at 10 Downing Street pointed to Mr Mansour's charitable work and record of public service, including support for The Prince’s Foundation – now The King’s Foundation – and as a major contributor to the St Paul’s Cathedral Remember Me project, which raised money for a physical memorial to those who died from Covid-19 in the UK.

Another proposed recipient for one of the honours is former sports minister Tracey Crouch, who led a review of football governance in the wake of proposals for a breakaway European Super League.

She has been put forward for a damehood in recognition of her public and parliamentary service.

Farming minister Mark Spencer has also been recommended for a knighthood, while Treasury select committee chair Harriett Baldwin has been put forward to become a dame.

Meanwhile, Democratic Unionist Party MP Gregory Campbell has been recommended for a CBE.

The prime minister recommends the honours to the king.