Gavin Williamson – his blunders in full

The former Secretary of State for Education was first brought into the cabinet as chief whip by then prime minster Theresa May, who later sacked him as defence secretary after seeing “compelling” evidence that he’d leaked sensitive information. Photograph: Stefan Rousseau/PA

Gavin Williamson’s knighthood, announced by Downing Street on Thursday, has been condemned by opposition parties as a reward for failure, given the widespread criticism of his record as education secretary and mishaps in other roles. Here are some notable moments of his public ignominy.

A-levels fiasco