Sherwood MP addresses election rumour as knighthood confirmed

Mark Spencer MP is now waiting for his invite to Buckingham Palace

A Nottinghamshire MP has been given a Knighthood in surprise honours announced by the Prime Minister.

Farming minister Mark Spencer, who represents the Sherwood constituency, is among four MPs as well as a major Tory donor to be honoured.

Mr Spencer said the news was "quite a shock" and he was "thrilled to bits".

When asked if the announcement suggested when the next general election would be held, he said "it makes no difference at all".

"I'm still trying to process it but everybody else has been really kind and lots of nice messages," Mr Spencer said.

"My focus is still the same as it ever was. I'm here to represent the people of Sherwood. That's the community that I represent and that I care about and that's what I'll carry on doing."

The announcement, made on Thursday, has drawn criticism from other political parties, particularly the honouring of businessman Mohamed Mansour, a senior treasurer for the Conservative Party.

Labour has criticised the honours, saying they should be reserved for those who have made a contribution to our public life. The Liberal Democrats said it showed how out of touch the Prime Minister was, while Reform UK accused the Conservatives of cronyism.

When asked about suggestions of cronyism relating to the honours, Mr Spencer said: "I think that's a little bit unfair.

"These things are nice and when other people get those awards, whether they're in the Labour Party or any other political party, I think we should just recognise a lot of people do a lot of work on behalf of other people and it's nice to celebrate those moments."

He thanked his family and other members of his party for supporting him.

Questions have also been raised about the unconventional timing of the announcement as Parliament begins its Easter recess, with honours lists typically published at New Year and on the King's official birthday in June.

Mr Spencer added: "To be clear, I do not know the date of the general election.

"The Prime Minister has always been clear, we'll have a general election in the second half of the year. That's still his plan and we've got lots to do before then."