Region’s politicians receive New Year Honours

TWO of the region’s senior politicians have been recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours.

Bob Sleigh is the Conservative leader of Solihull Council and chairman of the West Midlands Combined Authority and has received an OBE for services to local government.

West Midlands Labour MEP Neena Gill has been awarded a CBE for Parliamentary and political services. She was an MEP for 10 years to 2009 before being re-elected in 2014.

Cllr Sleigh is a Director of Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership and West Midlands Rail. He has previously held non-executive positions with the NHS and was formerly chairman of the West Midlands Probation Service.

He said: “I am delighted to receive the OBE, which reflects my passion and commitment to serving the people of Solihull. The borough has been voted as the best place to live in England which, as Leader of the Council, makes me extremely proud.

“I must also thank my fellow councillors both in Solihull and the West Midlands Combined Authority for their continued support. We have some very exciting times ahead as the West Midlands Combined Authority develops, and I am very honoured to be a leading part of that journey.”