SURREY County Council leader David Hodge has been made a CBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours.

Mr Hodge, who has been leader of the council since 2011, was awarded the honour for services to local government and charity.  

He said: “I’m delighted and honoured to receive this accolade which is really a tribute to the tireless work of thousands of council and charity workers who deliver services to the people of Surrey.

“It’s a huge privilege to serve the residents of Surrey as a councillor and as its leader and I’m determined to carry on doing all I can to stand up for the county including when it comes to highlighting the funding pressures we’re facing.

“I wouldn’t be able to carry out my local government and voluntary work without the support of my wife and family and this award also recognises all the help they’ve given me over the years.”

Following a 22-year career in the British Army, Mr Hodge was elected to Tandridge District Council in 1992 and Surrey County Council in 2005, of which he became deputy leader in 2009 and leader in 2011.

Mr Hodge grew up in an orphanage and in recognition of his upbringing, he has worked to provide opportunities for young people including drives to create hundreds more apprenticeships in Surrey.

He is also leader of the Local Government Association’s Conservative group and vice-chairman of the LGA, and is a dedicated Rotarian.

Jeremy Hunt, MP for South West Surrey and Secretary of State for Health, said: “David is a softly spoken fixer of problems who has done more for the people of Surrey than most of us will ever recognise.

“His modesty and decency makes him stand out as a different type of politician.”