Former Ombudsman receives CBE for services to local government

Former Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Michael King has received a CBE for services to Local Government in the first King’s Birthday Honours List.

King was appointed Ombudsman in January 2017, having worked at the organisation in various roles since 2004 including as its chief executive. He retired at the end of March this year, replaced by former Ealing Councl chief executive Paul Najsarek on an interim basis.

Najsarek said: “Mick is well known and highly respected in the local government and social care sectors, and his contribution has been significant.

“His commitment to improving public services, and seeking redress for people when things have gone wrong, is unparalleled and his ‘common sense’ approach was appreciated by all of those who worked with him.

“I heartily congratulate Mick on this richly deserved honour.”

Also among those to receive an award were Peter Farr, Head of Civil Justice Policy at the Ministry of Justice, and David Williams, chairman of law firm Geldards.

Farr was awarded an OBE for services to civil justice, while Geldards’ Williams was awarded an MBE for services to Business and to the Economy in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

“I am truly honoured and humbled to receive an MBE for Services to Business and to the Economy in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.  I am committed to driving the East Midlands forward to become a regional powerhouse of productivity and growth for the country.

“With its unique blend of infrastructure, business innovation and superb transport links boosting connectivity to and from the region, the East Midlands is an outstanding and ambitious area for business to succeed and grow. With its ambitious plans our region can compete nationally and internationally to be amongst the best  in which to conduct business.”