Public are split on whether David Beckham should receive a Knighthood – but a majority think Sadiq Khan and Michael Gove shouldn’t receive one

Which public figures should receive a Knighthood or Damehood in the 2025 New Year Honours list?

The author(s)
  • Gideon Skinner UK Head of Political Research
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Ahead of the announcement of the 2025 New Year Honours list, Ipsos conducted a poll asking whether several prominent names should receive a Knighthood/Damehood. The poll, conducted online among 1,137 British adults aged 18+ from December 13-17, 2024, reveals that the public are split on whether footballer David Beckham should receive a Knighthood, but a majority believe London Mayor Sadiq Khan and former cabinet minister Michael Gove should not receive one.

The public are split on whether David Beckham should receive a Knighthood - but a majority think Sadiq Khan and Michael Gove shouldn't receive one
  • Public divided on Beckham: The public is divided on whether the former footballer should receive a Knighthood, with four in ten (40%) in favour, 44% against, and 15% unsure.
  • Sadiq Khan: A majority (62%) of Britons believe that Mayor of London Sadiq Khan should not receive a Knighthood, compared to 18% who support the idea and 15% who don't know.
  • Emily Thornberry: 13% of Britons believe that the MP for Islington South and Finsbury should receive a Damehood. Four in ten (40%) believe that she should not, and 18% are unsure. Almost three in ten (28%) have never heard of her. 
  • Michael Gove: The majority (65%) of those surveyed believe that the former cabinet minister should not receive a Knighthood, with only 12% in favour and 16% unsure.

Technical note

  • Ipsos interviewed a representative sample of 1,137 adults aged 18+ across Great Britain. Interviews were conducted online between the 13th-17th December 2024. 
  • Data are weighted to match the profile of the population. All polls are subject to a wide range of potential sources of error.
The author(s)
  • Gideon Skinner UK Head of Political Research

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