Ilkley people recognised in King's New Year Honours

Ilkley resident Henri Murison receives an MBE for services to the Economy

Local people are once again recognised in the King's New Year Honours announced today.

Ilkley resident and former Ilkley Town Councillor, Henri Murison, the Chief Executive for the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, receives an MBE for services to the Economy.

Henri joined the Northern Powerhouse Partnership in 2017 and became Chief Executive in 2022.

Speaking to Ilkley Chat, Henri said:

“Amongst many others across Yorkshire and the North of England I am of course grateful to be recognised this way, not least to those who kindly nominated me.”

“I am privileged to have had the opportunity as Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership to work alongside many leading figures in the region and here in the Bradford District in particular on issues which matter, not least the case for a new Northern Powerhouse Rail station in Bradford in this and my previous role at the Yorkshire Building City headquartered in the city. I look forward to continuing that work in the New Year.”

Also awarded is Ilkley resident Susan Lynne Raymond, the interview manager at Office for National Statistics. Susan gets an BEM (British Empire Medal) for services to Statistics.

Within West Yorkshire, Shanaz Begum Gulzar, the Creative Director for Bradford City of Culture 2025 receives an MBE For services to Culture in Bradford.

Nationally, Idris Elba and ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean lead the Honours, list while England's victorious women's football and rugby teams are also recognised.

Sir Idris, 53, known for his roles in The Wire and Luther, is knighted for services to young people, having founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which supports community empowerment, education, youth advocacy and sustainable development.

Dame Jayne and Sir Christopher, who took home the Olympic gold at the 1984 Winter Games and saw success at the World, European and British Championships, are made a Dame and Sir for services to ice skating and to voluntary service.

They join other stars who rose to fame in notable partnerships, such as Paul Elliott, one half of the Chuckle Brothers, who is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), and Matt Lucas, half of the comedic Little Britain duo with David Walliams, who becomes an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

England's Lionesses feature heavily on the list after their Euros win in the summer - with captain Leah Williamson made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).

Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone, who were all part of the side that beat Spain in the final in Basel, Switzerland, in July, become MBEs.

And the team's Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman, who has won the Euros twice with England, and once with the Netherlands, is awarded an honorary damehood.

Members of England Women's Rugby World Cup winning squad are also strongly represented, with Marlie Packer and Zoe Aldcroft becoming OBEs, along with coach John Mitchell.