Record Numbers from Working Class Backgrounds Receive UK Honours
The latest figures reveal a significant increase in UK honours awarded to individuals from poorer backgrounds.
By BBC News
Cabinet Office data indicates that in the New Year Honours 2026, 38% of recipients came from working class backgrounds, aligning with the national figure of 37%. This marks a record level of awards for individuals from less wealthy backgrounds, more than doubling the figures from five years ago.
Specifically, for higher awards, the proportion of recipients from working class backgrounds rose to 31% in the New Year Honours 2026, also a record. This change reflects a shift in the honours system, which has been perceived as overly exclusive in the past.
Clive Lawrence, a former head teacher who received an Officer of the British Empire (OBE) for his contributions to education, highlighted the importance of recognising 'everyday people doing extraordinary things'. He is a member of the Honours Diversity and Outreach Committee, which aims to ensure a fairer representation of nominees across the UK.
The committee was established to address previous disparities, as a BBC analysis of the New Year Honours 2025 revealed that only 4% of higher award recipients had come from working class backgrounds. The recent figures demonstrate a significant improvement in this area.
Lawrence noted that the initiative encourages a wider range of nominations, including those from diverse social and geographical backgrounds. He emphasised that the quality of recipients must remain high while ensuring a more equitable representation.
The latest data also shows that women received 50% of higher awards, while 15% of award winners had a disability, 10% were from ethnic minorities, and 5% identified as LGBTQ+. Despite these advancements, there remains a need for further improvement in the representation of disabled individuals, who currently account for a smaller proportion of honours compared to their share of the population.
The Cabinet Office is committed to continuing this push for inclusivity in the honours system, which oversees approximately 1,200 awards during the New Year and Birthday honours each year. This initiative does not extend to political appointments or military honours.
Bridget Phillipson, Minister for Women and Equalities, expressed satisfaction with the increasing recognition of individuals from various backgrounds, stating that the honours system should reflect a society where talent and hard work are valued over socio-economic status.