With the arrival of the New Year also comes the King’s Honours List. This list is the Monarch’s way of recognising people for the notable that they have done within their industries and sectors, with a number of members of the public sector named among the recipients.
Two of the significant figures in the UK local government sphere that will receive CBEs (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), include representatives of the city councils in Leeds and Manchester. Leeds’ recipient is Steven Walker, Director of Strengthening Families at the City Council, whilst Manchester’s representative is the council’s Chief Executive, Joanne Roney.
Roney, who was also awarded an OBE in 2009, said:
“I am genuinely surprised but also delighted to receive this honour for something I am so passionate about. It is humbling that someone has taken the time to nominate me.
“Leaving school at 16, I would never have imagined this at all. I hope that young people might see this and take some inspiration that you can have a great career if you work hard, stay true to your values and love what you do.”
A number of decision-makers across local government are being awarded OBEs (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), with the Leader of North Yorkshire Council, Cllr Carl Les, representing just one of the recipients of this award. The others include Cllr Abigail Brown, former Leader of Stoke on Trent City Council, and Sara Tough, Executive Director for Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council. Also being given this award was Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees, who commented:
“I am deeply honoured to have been awarded an OBE for services to local government by His Majesty King Charles III. This would not have been possible without the support of my family, my team, and many other fellow Bristolians over a number of years.
Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees OBE
“Together we have delivered a lot. Since 2016, to give just two examples, Bristol has built over 12,500 new homes to tackle the housing crisis and secured the world-first Bristol City Leap deal, which plans £630 million of clean energy investment by 2028.
“In my final four months as Mayor of my home city, our focus remains on delivering for Bristol as we continue building a City of Hope, where nobody is left behind.”
Further figures will be awarded MBEs (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), with these including Mayor of Sandwell Cllr Bill Gavan and Carlisle Council’s Former Deputy Leader, Elsie Martlew. Some of the other recipients include councillors and representatives from Camden Council, Inverclyde Council and Enfield Borough Council.
Away from local government, former President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services James Bullion has been awarded an MBE for his services to Social Care, whilst the former Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Martin Hewitt QPM is to receive a CBE.
Image credit: iStock/Bristol City Council
