The City’s former lord mayor Dr Andrew Parmley has received a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year Honours.
Dr Parmley was recognised for his services to music, education and civic engagement, two months after completing his 12-month term in the City’s top job.
He was one of more than a thousand people including sports stars, celebrities and politicians awarded for their services to the UK.
Speaking from a winter break in Sydney, the principal of the Harrodian School told the Blackpool Gazette he was delighted with the recognition for his work beyond civil service.
“It used to be that if you became Lord Mayor you got the gong automatically, but now you have to have made a significant contribution to life as well,” he said.
“Being Lord Mayor was a door opener and convenor, and of course you lose that once the year ends – but the knighthood continues that and allows for conversations with people who can make things change.”
Also recognised on the list was City planning chief Annie Hampson, who was awarded an Order of the British Empire for services to planning in London.
As the Corporation’s chief planning officer and development director, Ms Hampson heads up a team of planners responsible for managing and promoting development while safeguarding the Square Mile’s historic environment.
Throughout her tenure she has played an instrumental role in projects like Paternoster Square, One New Change, the Heron Tower, the Gherkin, Millennium Bridge and the refurbishment of listed buildings including the Royal Exchange, the Bank of England and Guildhall.
She has also been recognised for leading on groundbreaking wind modelling work, green roofs, cycling promotion, protecting London’s viewing corridors and increasing the offer of high level viewing galleries.
She said the OBE was “a great honour” that would not have been possible without her colleagues at the City Corporation.
“I am grateful that this job has provided me with the opportunity to work on so many iconic projects and to be able to promote planning as a great career, for women in particular.
“For almost 30 years, I have been involved in some way with virtually every planning project in the City of London, resulting in the redevelopment of over a third of the City.
“I now look forward to the City’s continuing innovative development to ensure its future and to retain its special character.”
