Charlie Mullins, the multimillionaire businessman and prominent backer of Reform UK, has claimed that the Government attempted to strip him of his OBE following a social media outburst against London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan.
Mullins, the founder of Pimlico Plumbers, came under scrutiny from the Honours Forfeiture Committee over remarks made in 2022, which they deemed had brought the honours system “into disrepute.” The 72-year-old tycoon was forced to apologise after posting on X (formerly Twitter) that “someone should kill” Mr Khan during a debate on London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) scheme. His remarks led to his suspension from the platform for violating its policy against inciting violence.
Now, Mullins has alleged that the attempt to revoke his OBE was “politically motivated”, accusing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of seeking revenge over his support for Reform UK.
‘I’m being victimised’
Speaking to The Telegraph, Mullins, who primarily resides in Marbella, Spain, insisted that the move to strip him of his honour was a direct result of his political stance.
“It’s definitely politically motivated. I’m being victimised because I left the UK and said I’m not playing the game with them any more.”
Mullins, who sold his stake in Pimlico Plumbers for £145 million in 2021, has since donated substantial sums to Reform UK. He has also hinted at standing as an MP for the party, led by Nigel Farage.
Following legal intervention by Mullins’ lawyers, including a pledge to undertake “gender sensitivity and diversity training”, the committee last week confirmed that no action would be taken at this time. However, he was warned that any further misconduct could trigger a fresh investigation.
In response, Mullins defiantly stated:
“Anybody that speaks up against them they (Labour) want to destroy, and that’s what they’re doing here with me. They think that because I’ve opened my mouth and spoke the truth, they’re going to shut me up. Well, they ain’t.”
Support from Nigel Farage
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has stepped in to defend Mullins, urging Labour to “leave Charlie alone”, though he conceded that Mullins should “tone it down a bit”.
The controversy has reignited debate over free speech and the political neutrality of the honours system, with some arguing that the Government should not be involved in policing personal opinions expressed online.
Pattern of controversy
The Forfeiture Committee’s concerns were not solely focused on Mullins’ attack on Sadiq Khan. In a letter sent to him in September, officials cited a pattern of troubling behaviour on social media, including a “misogynistic” remark about television personality Carol Vorderman and a racist joke allegedly made at the British Curry Awards.
The letter stated:
“While you apologised for your remarks in each case, the committee feels that this is a troubling pattern of behaviour. This behaviour is not of the standard expected of an honours recipient. The committee is therefore minded to recommend to His Majesty that your OBE be revoked.”
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Mullins has rejected the allegations, maintaining that his remarks were made in a personal capacity and should be protected under freedom of expression.
Honours forfeiture and political debate
The Honours Forfeiture Committee is responsible for reviewing cases where individuals’ actions may bring the honours system into disrepute. The committee typically investigates recipients convicted of serious crimes or those involved in major scandals.
Although the revocation process was halted, the case has sparked political debate about whether social media controversies should be grounds for losing state honours.
Critics of the Government’s handling of the case argue that it sets a dangerous precedent for politically motivated retribution. Meanwhile, supporters of the Forfeiture Committee’s decision insist that individuals holding official honours must uphold public standards.
As the row continues, Mullins remains defiant, vowing to continue supporting Reform UK and speaking his mind—regardless of any potential consequences.
