Lord Rami Ranger, a top Tory donor and peer, has been stripped of his CBE following a series of controversies, including derogatory remarks about Pakistanis and harassment of a journalist. The King directed Lord Ranger’s CBE to be “cancelled and annulled” after considering social media posts and comments made by the Tory peer. Lord Ranger, who has donated approximately £1.5m to the Conservative Party since 2009, expressed his devastation and vowed to challenge the decision through legal avenues. The Forfeiture Committee, responsible for deciding on stripping someone of an honor, made the decision after reviewing Lord Ranger’s behavior towards the Sikh community and the journalist he harassed.
Rami Ranger’s Response
In response to the decision, a spokesperson for Lord Ranger emphasized that he had not committed any crime or broken any law, questioning the use of the honours system to curtail fundamental rights of free speech and thought. Despite Lord Ranger’s apology and rehabilitation efforts, the Forfeiture Committee deemed it appropriate for him to forfeit his CBE due to his previous actions. The Tory peer, along with five others, had their honours revoked for various reasons, including criminal convictions and bringing the honours system into disrepute.
Legal Challenge and Vindication
Lord Ranger, determined to clear his name, plans to challenge the decision through legal avenues to vindicate himself in the UK and abroad. The spokesperson highlighted that the decision could potentially encourage spurious complaints against individuals, emphasizing Lord Ranger’s continued commitment to making a significant contribution to society. Despite the Forfeiture Committee’s actions, Lord Ranger’s supporters maintain that he was a worthy recipient of his CBE and condemn the manner in which it was taken from him.
Honours System Integrity
The Forfeiture Committee’s role in safeguarding the integrity of the honours system is crucial, with previous cases involving figures like rapper Wiley and former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells forfeiting their honours for similar reasons. While Lord Ranger’s case adds to the list of individuals losing their honours, the ongoing debate surrounding the appropriateness of such decisions continues to shape public discourse on accountability and reputation management in the UK.