Council leaders and staff have been recognised in the 2020 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for their services to local government.

The leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, cllr Mohammed Khan, was awarded a CBE for his contribution to local government over the past 28 years. He was previously awarded an OBE in 2007.

The leader of Merton Council, cllr Stephen Alambritis, has been awarded an MBE for services to local government.

Cllr Alambritis said: 'It is a great honour to be included on the Queen’s Birthday Honours list, alongside some incredible people who have done so much in response to the pandemic and I would like to congratulate them all.'

OBEs were also awarded to Charlotte Ramsden, strategic director of people at Salford City Council, and Luthfur Rahman, executive member for culture, leisure and skills at Manchester City Council.

Ajitha Sajeev, street population manager at Newham Council also received a British Empire Medal for her work to help move rough sleepers into permanent housing.

Former chief executive of Norwich City Council, Laura McGillivray, was given a MBE for services to local government.

Health and social care staff have been particularly celebrated in this year’s list, making up 14% of all those receiving honours due to their work during the pandemic.