Knighthood for council's boss (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Knighthood for council's boss

THE temporary boss of Swindon Council has been given a knighthood.

Mike Pitt, who joined the authority as interim chief executive from Kent County Council in April, was honoured for his services to local government.

During his seven years as chief executive at Kent Sir Mike guided the authority to be the top rating of excellent in the services it provides to residents.

Swindon Council leader Mike Bawden said the knighthood was recognition of Sir Mike's achievements in local government.

"I am absolutely delighted that the Queen has bestowed this on Mike," he said.

"It highlights his fantastic record in local government and it underlines how delighted I was to get him to come and work in Swindon."

Sir Mike joined Swindon on a six-month secondment in April after having decided to step down at Kent but he now expects to stay on at Swindon part time for about a year longer.

His aim is to drive up standards in Swindon and last week his recovery plan for the authority was approved by the full council.

Sir Mike said his knighthood came as a complete surprise.

"I can only think it is a tribute to the really fantastic people I've worked with in local government throughout my career and especially at Kent County Council," he said.

The leader of Kent County Council, Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, was knighted two years ago and it is thought to be the first time both a leader and chief executive of the same council have been awarded knighthoods for services to local government.

Sir Mike joined Kent in 1997 after being chief executive of Cheshire County Council. He is a qualified civil engineer and is married with two daughters.

lMeanwhile, the Royal International Air Tattoo has congratulated actor David Jason on his knighthood. The actor, who is an honorary vice president of the airshow, was given a knighthood at the weekend as part of the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Tattoo director Tim Prince said: "We are delighted that such a good friend and such a fine actor has been recognised in this way."