Ex-Education Secretary Gavin Williamson Knighted Despite Controversies
Former South Staffordshire Tory MP Gavin Williamson has been awarded a knighthood, sparking fresh debate over his turbulent political career. Sacked from the Cabinet in last September’s reshuffle, Williamson faced fierce backlash over his management of England’s schools and exams during the pandemic.
From Chief Whip to Controversial Education Secretary
Williamson, 45, began his political journey as a backbencher in 2010 before rising to become the Conservative Party’s chief whip under Theresa May in 2016. Known for his eccentric desk companion—a pet tarantula named Cronus—he gained a reputation for firm party discipline.
In 2017, May appointed him Defence Secretary. However, his tenure ended abruptly in 2019 after he was implicated in leaking National Security Council details about Huawei’s involvement in the UK’s 5G network. Although Williamson denied the claims, May said she had “compelling evidence” to justify his sacking.
Covid Chaos and Cabinet Comeback
Williamson returned to the Cabinet as Education Secretary when Boris Johnson took office in 2019. But his leadership during the pandemic was widely criticised. Opposition parties slammed his handling of school closures, exam fiascos, and the botched rollout of free school meals and laptops for struggling pupils.
He was replaced by Nadhim Zahawi in last autumn’s reshuffle.
Knighthood Provokes Sharp Response
Williamson was previously awarded a CBE in 2016 for political and public service, and his new knighthood reportedly honours similar contributions. Yet Labour’s shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson lashed out at the news:
“Gavin Williamson let children go hungry, created two years of complete chaos over exams and failed to get laptops out to kids struggling to learn during lockdowns. His record is astonishing and disgraceful.”
The knighthood reignites controversy around a figure whose political journey has been as colourful as it has been contentious.
