Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has put American Idol judge Simon Cowell forward for a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Despite Cowell’s turncoat actions, which saw him come out in support of Conservative leader David Cameron the day before the general election, Brown has suggested that he becomes a ‘Sir’ because of his mountain of charitable work and contribution to the British music industry.

Westminster sources say that Simon, 50, is due to be knighted in the Queen’s Birthday Honours on June 12.

One insider told The Mirror: “Gordon Brown was very keen for Simon to get proper recognition for his work.

“He was particularly impressed by the way Simon responded to his suggestion to release the record for Haiti by dropping everything to ensure it was a success.

“And there’s also no doubt Simon has brought a great deal of happiness to millions of people with his music and TV shows.”

A source close to the X Factor boss added:

“It would be an absolutely huge achievement and a wonderful tribute to all he’s achieved professionally.

“Simon deserves the honour because he does so much work behind the scenes for charity and publicly supports good causes.

“He has also generated millions in the music and entertainment industries, created thousands of jobs and helped make Sony a multinational conglomerate.

“Simon has always joked he’d be last in line for a knighthood. But, deep down, it’s his dream.”