Campaign launched to get a knighthood for Geoffrey Boycott

Geoffrey Boycott pictured at his home at Boston Spa

The former Yorkshire and England cricketer has been persistently overlooked by the honours system since he was found guilty in a French court of hitting his then girlfriend Margaret Moore in 1998.

But it was reported today by the Telegraph that Miss Moore may have slipped on a marble floor and hit her head accidentally. She reportedly stands by her claim that she was assaulted.

Supporters of Boycott, who turned 75 earlier this week, hope the Telegraph investigation could help clear the way for a knighthood.

Nigel Adams, Conservative MP for Selby and Ainsty, said: “It’s no secret that a large number of parliamentarians have recommended Geoff Boycott for a higher honour and I do hope he now gets the recognition he deserves.

“Boycott’s record in cricket is very difficult to match, his contribution to the sport as a player and broadcaster has been outstanding.”

Boycott, who was awarded an OBE in 1980, has cross-party support in Parliament for a knighthood, and Theresa May, the Home Secretary, is among those who wrote to the Cabinet Office last year urging it to give him the honour.

David Cameron is a fan of Boycott, having described him as one of the “greatest living Yorkshiremen” when he sat next to him during a test match at Headingley in September, when the Prime Minister also asked Boycott to give him a private tour of the ground.

Mr Boycott was unavailable for comment.