Cameron has been accused of cronyism over his resignation honours list
David Cameron risks being accused of misuse of the honours system over claims he is looking to reward allies and party donors, a former sleaze watchdog has said.
Responding to the apparent leak of the former PM's resignation honours list, Sir Alistair Graham said it would "add a bit of a nasty, tawdry gloss" to Mr Cameron's failure to win the EU referendum.
The hard-hitting comments by the former chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life will fuel the controversy over reports Mr Cameron is pushing to recognise friends and personal aides.
Labour has also waded into the row, with deputy leader Tom Watson arguing Mr Cameron's bid to reward his allies presented the worst of the "old boy's network" and saying Theresa May should block the nominations.
Mr Cameron announced his resignation after losing the EU referendum vote
It follows reports in The Sunday Times that Mr Cameron had recommended knighthoods for four pro-EU cabinet colleagues: Philip Hammond, Michael Fallon, Patrick McLoughlin, and David Lidington.
He has also requested a companion of honour award for former chancellor George Osborne - only ever awarded to 65 others - it has been claimed.
It has been reported that Will Straw, head of the failed pro-Remain campaign, has been put forward for a CBE, and that more than 20 Downing Street staff were proposed for awards.
Those said to be in the running for an OBE include Isabel Spearman, who helped Samantha Cameron with her diary and outfits for various engagements.
It was also claimed Mr Cameron recommended knighthoods for major Tory donors Ian Taylor and Andrew Cook.
Speaking to Sky News, Sir Alistair said: "I think there's a real danger that people will perceive that this is a major misuse of the honours system."
He added: "The sort of scale that has been suggested might be applied is totally inappropriate and will be seen by a very large number of people as a misuse of the honours system and will undoubtedly affect how people perceive him as Prime minister and his record as prime minister."
And went on: "Given he's seen to have resigned because of his failure to win the EU referendum this will add a bit of a nasty tawdry gloss on what is seen to be failure.
"I think he should think again."
Sir Alistair urged a change to the convention to allow for proper scrutiny of honours.
These are the first resignation honours since Sir John Major - neither Tony Blair or Gordon Brown issued lists - and it is convention that current Prime Minister's do not block the nominations of their predecessors.
In theory Mrs May could act but Sky News understands she does not wish to get involved in the process
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