I’ve had a look at the King’s Birthday Honours list this morning, searching under “political service” and “local government”.

I’ve only found two Lib Dems so far. That doesn’t mean that I’ve found everyone, so please, hive mind, let me kmow who I’ve missed. Lib Dems may be honoured for things that aren’t politics. And indeed, this was barely published when I discovered a third, honoured for non Lib Dem reasons. And the Noble Lord Packula found another I didn’t know about.

So the two I have found  and the one our Charley Hasted told me about are:

Ruth Williams MBE

Ruth, from Orkney, received her award for political and voluntary service.

She’s had the job for many years of being election agent to our illustrious parliamentarians in Orkney.

Alistair Carmichael told me:

Ruth Williams has made a phenomenal contribution to Orkney life and Liberal politics for decades.

She is well known in the Scottish Liberal Democrats for having been the party’s most successful election agent. She first campaigned for Jo Grimond in several campaigns and then served as agent for Jim Wallace, Liam McArthur and myself.

Beyond that she is a stalwart of village life in Finstown and wider Orkney where her contribution to local organisations are too numerous to list.

Quite apart from that she is one of the kindest and most generous people you could ask to meet. As well as being my agent, she is godmother to my younger son.

If more communities had a Ruth our country would be a much better place!

Cllr Clare Apel OBE

Clare, a Lib Dem Councillor in Chichester and Chair of the District Council, received her award for  “For services to the Voluntary Sector, to Local Government and to Holocaust Education.”

Two years ago she was shortlisted for the Local Government Unit’s lifetime legend award as Sussex World reported:

Terry Stacy MBE

So many people across the party will be thrilled to know that London’s Terry Stacy has had the MBE he received 14 years ago upgraded to an OBE for “For services to the LGBTQ+ Community.” Terry chairs Tonic Housing, who last year became the only LGBTQ+ housing association to receive Registered Provider status.

Their website says

Commenting on the award, Terry Stacy MBE said:

“I am incredibly proud of the work I have done in the LGBTQ+ sector, particularly tackling youth homelessness and helping to create housing for older members of our community. Tonic Housing does vital work supporting some of the most vulnerable LGBTQ+ elders in society. More than 30 years after I first began campaigning on these issues, we still have a long way to go. In today’s challenging environment, it is more important than ever that we stand up, speak out and make our voices heard.

I came out more than 35 years ago and began my activism shortly afterwards. I came out of the closet then, and I have absolutely no intention of going back into it now.”

Baroness Liz Barker – House of Lords said:

“Terry’s passionate and practical commitment to housing for the LGBT community is a shining example to us all. That the king has recognised his work over many years is an honour thoroughly deserved. I could not be more pleased for him.”

Adam Pemberton Wickham – Chief Executive of akt said:

“Terry was Chair of the Board of Trustees of akt between 2013 and 2022, where he was integral to our work helping young LGBTQ+ people affected by homelessness and laying the foundations for our current and future success. We are delighted to hear that Terry’s dedication and hard work has been recognised with this honour.”

Daisy Cooper MP – Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to see Terry awarded a well-deserved OBE. For many years, Terry has worked tirelessly to champion LGBTQ+ rights and improving access to safe, secure housing. Through his leadership at Tonic Housing, he has helped ensure that older LGBTQ+ people can live with dignity, respect, and a sense of belonging. This honour is a fitting recognition of his outstanding contribution, and I offer him my warmest congratulations.”

Congratulations to Ruth, Clare, Elizabeth and Terry for their well deserved awards.

Elizabeth Plummer OBE

Elizabeth is the Chief of Staff to the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings. You can find her on Bluesky at caronmlindsay.bsky.social