Bob Russell MP, who who was first elected when Nick Clegg was only four years old, has received a knighthood in the New Year’s Honours list.
Sir Bob, who received the honour for his public service, has described the honour as “A matter of great personal importance and significance to me.”
The BBC reports:
The Liberal Democrat, who’s been involved in local politics for more than 40 years is among the region’s most outspoken MPs, particularly since the formation of the coalition.
This is a significant honour for a man who for decades has been one of the most colourful characters on the region’s political scene.
“Clearly in this role, any MP creates enemies as well as friends but I hope that nobody would ever say that I never did my best for the people I represent and my town,” he says.
“I grin to myself because I have spent my entire adult life fighting the establishment but clearly, I have failed.”
He says his knighthood recognises the work of those around him and that it came as a bolt from the blue.
Bob Russell was first elected aged 25 as a councillor for New Town ward in 1971. He then served as mayor and later leader of Colchester Council, before becoming the town’s MP in 1997.
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One Comment
Well done, Sir Bob, thoroughly deserved. Keep up the good fight!