2025’s Glorious New Year Honours: Celebrating Extraordinary Achievements

COMPANION OF HONOUR

SIR KAZUO ISHIGURO

A British novelist born in Japan, screenwriter, musician, and short fiction author, who has received nominations for the Booker Prize four times, securing the award in 1989 for his book The Remains of the Day. Time magazine recognized Never Let Me Go as the top novel of 2005 and one of the 100 greatest English-language novels published from 1923 to 2005. In 2017, he was granted the Nobel Prize in Literature. His eighth novel, Klara and the Sun, was released by Faber and Faber on 2 March 2021, and was longlisted for the 2021 Booker Prize. He has collaborated on several tracks for the jazz vocalist Stacey Kent with saxophonist Jim Tomlinson, along with two original screenplays for Channel 4. He transformed the screenplay for the 2022 British movie Living from the 1952 Japanese film Ikiru, and in 2023, Living received an Academy Award nomination in the Best Adapted Screenplay category.

DAME AND KNIGHT GRAND CROSS OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (GBE)

DAME JACQUELINE WILSON DBE

As an author of children’s literature, she has penned over 100 bestselling titles, selling in excess of 40 million copies in the UK. From 2014 to 2020, she held the position of Chancellor at the University of Roehampton and was elected an honorary fellow of Corpus Christi College, Cambridge in 2012. She has been awarded the Smarties Prize and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize, earned the Special Award at the BAFTA Children’s Awards in 2017, and was a UK candidate for the international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2014. In her role as Children’s Laureate, she participated in the judging panels for the Orange Prize for Fiction and the Prince Maurice Prize, as well as serving on the Whitbread Award Advisory panel. She also collaborates with the RNIB in support of their Right to Read campaign. She is a patron of Seven Stories in Newcastle upon Tyne, and Chatterbooks, a national network of book clubs established in libraries and schools. Additionally, she is a Stop MS Pioneer and has a history of collaboration with Coram, the UK’s first charity for children. She currently serves as an Ambassador for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

PROFESSOR SIR LESZEK BORYSIEWICZ FRS, FRCP, FMEDSCI

As the Chair of Cancer Research UK (CRUK), he has significantly influenced the advocacy for cancer research and innovation. He remains a central figure in the UK medical, academic, and clinical cancer research communities, motivating leaders and philanthropists to back the vital work of CRUK. During the Covid crisis, he collaborated with the CEO to devise an urgent budget and strategy while encouraging the charity to adopt an ambitious outlook for the future. This initiative led to CRUK’s new 10-year sustainable research and financial strategy. His research endeavors have enabled him to play a crucial role in CRUK’s 20-year initiative aimed at enhancing cervical cancer statistics in the UK and globally. Previously, in his role as Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, he oversaw the expansion of the biomedical campus, research facilities, philanthropy, and significant international partnerships.

DAME COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE BATH (DCB)

TAMARA MARGARET FINKELSTEIN CB

She has committed her entire 32-year career to public service, culminating in her role as the leader of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). She has guided DEFRA’s evolution into a prominent delivery organization, leading it through the transitions of EU exit and Covid. Overall, she has worked in six government departments, including two decades at HM Treasury as an Economist and Policy Advisor. She is a senior advocate of the Civil Service Jewish Network, Head of the Government Policy Profession, a member of the State Honours Committee, and Cabinet Office Champion of the Civil Service Delivery for Citizens Awards. Additionally, she participates in the Civil Service Board, Government Reform Board, Senior Leadership Committee, and chairs the Plan for London Board.

KNIGHT COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE BATH (KCB)

KEN MCCALLUM 

He assumed the role of Director General in 2020 during the initial phases of the Covid pandemic, adapting MI5 to uphold national security operations. Following the pandemic, he guided MI5 through an era of unmatched threats, grappling with both a sustained high threat from terrorism and increasing threats from nation-states, particularly from Russia after its incursion into Ukraine, alongside heightened assassination threats from Iran. He has concentrated on the prospects and hazards posed by rapidly changing technology; and has utilized his profile to advocate for inclusion and diversity, with MI5 surpassing recruitment goals from minority communities, including those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

DAME COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (DBE)

PROFESSOR STEPHANIE ANNE AMIEL (LADY STEPHANIE ALBERTI)

She was instrumental in the establishment of the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) patient education initiative, which decreased diabetes emergencies and the cost of emergency care by over 60%, leading to a cost-efficient standard of care across the UK, Ireland, and internationally. She introduced islet transplantation in the NHS for those suffering from type 1 diabetes and severe hypoglycaemia, making King’s the first centre in the UK to successfully perform a transplant for a patient in the national program. Her leadership at the diabetes centre at King’s College Hospital has turned it into an internationally celebrated center of excellence, particularly in focusing on the interaction between mental and physical health in diabetes. Her research concerning the implications of ethnicity has shed light on important aspects of diabetic care in minority groups, emphasizing African and Caribbean communities in London. She has chaired the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) type 1 diabetes guideline development group, shaping the current landscape of diabetes care in the 21st century.

PROFESSOR JULIA CLARE BUCKINGHAM CBE

She occupies the role of Chair at the Institute of Cancer Research and more recently, of the NC3Rs. Her initiatives in creating the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Centre on Brunel campus, along with other outreach programs, have benefitted thousands of school children. In her capacity as President of UUK, she has influenced national policy discussions on crucial matters including student mental health, equality, researcher career advancement, and research policy. Her participation in higher education delegations abroad has enhanced the global image of UK higher education and progressed the sector on an international platform. As a prominent figure within STEM, she has fostered the careers of women and ethnic minorities; as Chair of the Concordat Strategy Group and Chair of the Athena SWAN Review Steering Group, her contributions have led to lasting improvements in equality,career advancement and investigative atmosphere.

PROFESSOR ALISON MARY ETHERIDGE OBE

Alison stands as a globally recognized probabilist, fervently championing and guiding the mathematical sciences sector. She is a distinguished and devoted researcher operating at the intersection of mathematics and various fields to tackle authentic global issues. As President of the Academy for the Mathematical Sciences, she leverages this position to advance the necessity for mathematical reasoning and skills to confront significant worldwide challenges, including the Covid-19 crisis. As a fellow of the Royal Society and an elected member of its Council, she aids the Society in achieving its strategic goals and electing fellows. She acknowledged the significance of the Athena Swan, a national gender equality initiative, and understood that locally driven racial equality efforts would be beneficial.

PROFESSOR ALISON MARGARET FULLER

During her period as Pro-Director of UCL’s Institute of Education (IOE) from 2014 to 2021, the institute flourished, accommodating 400 academics and 700 doctoral candidates. Her conceptualization of apprenticeships promoted an ‘expansive’ approach to workplace learning, empowering both learners and employers in various industries. She played a key role in revolutionizing nursing education through the initiative ‘Creating Learning Environments for Compassionate Care’, enhancing staff morale and uplifting patient care within the NHS. As the founding Chair of the UCL Collaborative Social Science Domain, she motivated interdisciplinary research to address intricate societal issues, ensuring high standards and promoting international discourse on workplace learning. She contributes to respected research funders’ peer review panels and serves as a reliable advisor to essential organizations, including the DfE Technical Education Research Reference Group. Her recommendations based on her insights significantly influence learners, educators, and institutions through evidence-based policy suggestions. She has been appointed Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and Member of the Academia Europaea.

MARIE SYLVIA GABRIEL CBE

Devoting her 45-year career and voluntary efforts to enhance equity and social justice, she is the founding Chair of NHS North East London Integrated Care system, uniting her colleagues in London to openly commit to anti-racism, affecting 30% of the London workforce and 46% of London residents who identify as BAME. In 2021, she was appointed as the inaugural Chair of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, presiding over a board comprised of world-renowned experts, facilitating initiatives aimed at addressing racial bias in health and care. By establishing new collaborations between Integrated Care Systems and the Institute of Healthcare Improvement, she enabled the creation of an international model for anti-racist health enhancement focusing on rectifying ethnic disparities in maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Her inclusion in the Premier League’s 2020 Black Power List acknowledges her contribution to promoting health within underserved communities.

LINDA RUTH HEGGS (RUTH CAIRNIE)

She is recognized as the first female Chair in Babcock International Group’s 130-year history and was the first woman to lead a major UK defence corporation. Since 2019, she has enhanced the Board’s dynamics and cultural ethos while prioritizing sustainability. Under her guidance, Babcock has stabilized, achieving double-digit organic growth, robust cash performance, and a significant decrease in debt. Apart from her role at Babcock, she has actively contributed as a Commissioner on the Covid Recovery Commission. Serving as Chair of POWERful Women from 2015 to 2022, she was appointed Chair of the Remuneration Committee at BT in 2023. Additionally, she is a trustee of the White Ensign Association, an Industry Patron of the UK Women in Defence Charter and was a trustee of Windsor Leadership until recently.

THE RT HON. PATRICIA HOPE HEWITT

From her tenure as Secretary of State for Health to her current position as Chair of NHS Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board, she has instigated genuine and substantial transformations that have enhanced public health. During her time as Secretary of State, she enacted the smoking prohibition, which has profoundly influenced the nation’s health; a decade after the ban, the number of smokers aged 35 and above succumbing to heart attacks and other cardiac conditions fell by 20.8 percent. She is a leader within the Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care System as well as for all systems throughout England, and her opinions are frequently solicited by Government ministers, MPs, NHS England, and fellow stakeholders from across the nation.

Her recent national evaluation of Integrated Care Systems on behalf of the Government will continue to shape national policies and local practices in the years to come.

NICOLE ALISON JACOBS

Her dedication to eradicating domestic abuse and violence against women and girls has directly influenced the improvement of society’s response. Serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Standing Together Against Domestic Violence, she has forged robust partnerships and as a founding member of the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance, initiated national shifts in the housing field, providing survivors with broader housing options that have garnered international attention. Appointed as the first Domestic Abuse Commissioner designate for England and Wales in 2019, she swiftly responded to the pandemic in 2020, voicing the concerns of helplines and charities to the government regarding the impact on victim-survivors. Following the enactment of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, legislation she was integral in shaping, she has continued to innovate within Domestic Abuse policies and practices.

CAROLINE MICHEL

Since 2007, she has served as both CEO of the literary and talent agency Peters Fraser and Dunlop (PFD) and has held the position of Chair and previously Trustee of the Hay Literary Festival. She also acts as Chair of the BFI Trust, is a Fellow of the RSA, and serves as Vice President of the London Library. As a literary agent, she has represented and supported notable figures such as Jeanette Winterson, Simon Schama, Edna O’Brien, Rose Tremain, Danielle Steel, Ruthie Rogers, Twiggy, Michael Caine, and Melvyn Bragg. She has participated on boards as varied as the BFI, Somerset House, Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year, and the Harpers’ Bazaar Short Story Competition. Additionally, she has been part of the Arts and Media Honours Committee, the Booker Prize Advisory Committee, and the Chairman’s Circle at Southbank Centre. A particular advocate for libraries and librarians, she has contributed as a panel expert for Library Services at DCMS.

CARMEN ESME MUNROE OBE

She is a trailblazing actress and advocate whose career encompasses theatre, television, and film, having paved pathways for Black actors throughout Britain. Co-founding the Talawa Theatre Company in 1986, she actively cultivated environments for Black stories and talents to flourish, advancing a more inclusive and representative British theatre scene. Notably recognized for her part in “Desmond’s,” she has provided audiences with insights into various facets of life in London for Black families. Through years of advocacy and mentorship, she has fostered and elevated Black talent within the UK. Her influence remains prominent, with her voice and actions continuously contributing to forums, discussions, and initiatives aimed at maintaining momentum towards inclusivity and representation.

BARBARA DAVIS RAE CBE

She is an artist whose creations are driven by history, geography, and geology, frequently utilizing landscapes as an inspiration. Her work captures the influence of

the human hand altering, designating, and molding the surroundings. Her endeavors have taken her to Arizona, Europe, and most recently, four excursions to the Arctic, tracing the NorthWest Passage following Franklin’s path. The latest expedition was to Antarctica to investigate the narrative of Shackleton. Her creative works encompass prints, tapestries, ceramics, and a Royal Mail stamp released in 2018. She is an active member of the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Academy, exhibiting consistently in these showcases as well as in solo exhibitions globally. She holds Honorary Doctorates from Napier and Aberdeen Universities and is recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland, and an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Art. In 2013, she founded a philanthropic organization, The Provost James Rae Trust, aimed at providing financial backing, residencies, and exhibiting prospects to mid and later career Scottish artists.

THE RT HON. EMILY THORNBERRY MP

She has served as a Member of Parliament for almost two decades, making a substantial impact on UK politics through a series of notable positions. A member of the Labour Party since her adolescent years, she first ran for election in Canterbury in 2001 and was elected as the Member of Parliament for Islington South and Finsbury in 2005. Since that time, she has been re-elected on five occasions and has occupied roles such as Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Social Care, and Employment, along with being Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Exiting the European Union, Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, and International Trade. She has also held the position of Shadow First Secretary of State and Shadow Attorney General. She is particularly recognized for her unwavering dedication to equal-pay and the rights of women and the LGBT community.

PROFESSOR IJEOMA UCHEGBU

Her scientific contributions are groundbreaking, and her leadership and advocacy have been acknowledged by her election as President of Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, a role she has now assumed. Her professional journey showcases continuous scientific, academic, and innovative accomplishments of the highest standard. She is an internationally celebrated scientist devoted to excellence in science, with her work encompassing the chemical, physical, and biomedical sciences. Her pioneering and influential research on drug transport mechanisms has contributed to the creation of new therapies aimed at transforming pain alleviation, including the enkephalin pain medication candidate EnveltaÔ, which is intended to tackle the opioid crisis. As an innovator, her company, Nanomerics Ltd, is in the process of developing treatments for sight-threatening illnesses.

KNIGHTS BACHELOR

PROFESSOR BASHIR MOHAMMED ALI AL-HASHIMI CBE FREng FRS

He is globally acknowledged by both academic circles and industry for his significant contributions to energy-efficient computing and semiconductor chip design. His research has catalyzed substantial enhancements in hardware and software technologies for digital electronic devices, including smartphones. Currently, he holds the position of Vice-President (Research & Innovation) at King’s College London, playing a crucial role in shaping and executing the university’s Research and Innovation Strategy. Throughout his career, he has occupied various senior academic leadership roles within the UK’s higher education landscape. Beyond academia, Bashir is dedicated to motivating the upcoming generation of scientists and engineers. As a trustee for several charitable organizations, he actively encourages interest in science and engineering among youth. He is a frequent participant in national dialogues regarding engineering education and skill development.

EDWARD CHARLES BRAHAM

He has made a considerable impact on the legal and financial services sectors. He was the Senior Partner of the global law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP from 2016 to 2020, during which he led the firm’s US expansion and the establishment of its landmark office in Silicon Valley. In 2022, he was appointed Non-Executive Chair of M&G plc, where he has pursued his passion for business, overseeing a transformation and growth initiative to instill confidence in individuals to invest their money. With a tradition extending over 175 years, M&G currently manages assets for 4.6 million retail clients and over 900 institutional clients across 38 global locations. With assets under management exceeding £346bn, M&G boasts a proud legacy of fostering the advancement of businesses and communities, investing in innovative firms to drive tangible change, and in private assets such as housing, healthcare, and transport. He has significantly contributed to promoting London as a premier international financial hub, serving as Chair of TheCityUK’s International Trade Investment Group and as a Board member. Additionally, he is a non-executive member of the Board of HM Treasury.

STUART CARLTON

He was appointed Director of Children’s Services at North Yorkshire Council in July 2017, and under his stewardship, it significantly improved from an Ofsted rating of Good to Outstanding by July 2018, maintaining that status as of July 2023. This achievement has established them as a leading local authority in the Strengthening Families, Protecting Children’s program, which has been subsequently implemented nationwide. As an exemplary Sector Led Improvement Partner (SLIP) for over a decade, many other local authorities have recognized the vital role of SLIP in enhancing their services. Consequently, there has been a decrease in the number of young individuals entering the care system, with more being placed in family environments. He also played a central role in the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care, helping to create a new national framework derived from his experiences in North Yorkshire.

ANDREW COOKE QPM DL

Serving as Chief Constable of Merseyside Police from 2016 to 2021, he led the largest reorganization in the force’s history, focusing on improving community safety outcomes, and establishing the force as the top-performing metropolitan entity. He influenced national policies regarding the fight against serious and organized crime and revamped witness protection in the UK through the introduction of the United Kingdom Protected Persons Service. He became H.M. Chief Inspector in April 2022 and instigated extensive reforms in policing and fire services aimed at restoring and enhancing public trust. He supervised two pivotal inspections, leading to remarkable improvements in vetting, misconduct, and culture being undertaken at an unprecedented rate by chief officers. He urged police chiefs to commit to attending all domestic burglaries permanently and has shown resolve and bravery in his decision-making concerning policing improvements for community benefit.

PROFESSOR JACK MARTIN CUZICK CBE FRS

His pioneering research on breast cancer first revealed that women undergoing tamoxifen treatment exhibited a lowered risk of developing contralateral cancers and long-term recurrence, as well as reduced susceptibility to breast cancer in women at higher risk. He has identified high-risk groups of women for breast cancer through the Tyrer-Cuzick model, which is widely utilized in family history services. His foundational work has resulted in significant improvements in the prevention and screening of cervical cancer. He led the inaugural trial comparing HPV testing with traditional cytology for screening, resulting in the widespread implementation of primary HPV testing in the UK and beyond. His recent investigations into self-sampling are likely to boost screening uptake among unscreened women. He has also spearheaded the analysis of using flexible sigmoidoscopy for bowel cancer screening and breast cancer research.

cancer research trial meta-analyses. Since 2017, he has maintained his prolific contributions to internationally acknowledged research, with an additional 170 publications, achieving a lifetime total exceeding 700.

THOMAS GERALD REAMES DAVIES CBE DL

He has persisted in his exceptional contributions to rugby and philanthropic sector endeavors, along with an extraordinary range of charitable initiatives and community projects. This has been illustrated by his appointments to elevated positions both in Wales and abroad, including President of the Welsh Rugby Union, Member of the World Rugby Council, and manager of the British and Irish Lions during their tour in South Africa in 2009. He has also participated in various grassroots fundraising efforts, such as becoming a founding member and fundraiser for the Usk Rural Life Museum in 2010, becoming a patron and ambassador of the St David’s Life Boat Station in 2014, in addition to his ongoing fundraising activities for the St David’s Penknife Club, serving as a trustee of the Barbarians and Welsh Rugby Charitable Trusts since 2004, and fundraising for the former Ely Hospital.

DAVID WARREN ARTHUR EAST CBE FRS FREng

As the previous Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce, he guided the global power systems division from 2015 to 2022. He designed the Group’s net zero technology strategy, steering the company towards new avenues of growth and UK prosperity. He is dedicated to achieving net zero while generating economic benefits. He advocated for and was a founding signatory of the UN Race to Zero (2020) and emerged as a prominent climate action supporter at COP26. His commitment has resulted in the first ever Rolls Royce roadmap to achieve net zero by 2050. The economic influence during his leadership is noteworthy: modernization of design and manufacturing tools aimed at doubling capacity within a streamlined footprint. The company continues to employ over 40,000 individuals and invests more than £2 billion with over 2,000 UK firms. In 2021, products accounted for 1.5% of all UK goods exported, with over 75% of UK-produced items exported, and over 90% of employees based outside London and the South East. Following his exit from Rolls-Royce, he has chaired NATS – a vital UK infrastructure for air travel, and continues working to create economic value through businesses focused on net zero and climate change solutions.

DR GABRIELE FINALDI

As the Director of the National Gallery, he has augmented the Gallery’s collection, particularly through the acquisition of Artemisia Gentileschi’s self-portrait, enhancing the Gallery’s restricted inventory of works by female artists. He has elevated the Gallery’s role nationwide, particularly through Masterpiece, a collaborative effort with museums across the country; National Treasures, featuring 12 exhibitions occurring this year throughout the UK; and the Visits programme, showcasing National Gallery artworks in unexpected venues. The National Gallery was the first major museum to propose an ‘on demand’ service during the COVID pandemic, creating virtual exhibitions and Behind the Scenes videos. He has significantly decreased the Gallery’s reliance on public funding. He procured £95m for the refurbishment of the main entrance of the Sainsbury Wing and the Gallery’s educational, research, and membership facilities.

STEPHEN FRY

He is one of the UK’s most esteemed public personalities. As President of Mind, he has campaigned vigorously to promote awareness and stimulate discussions regarding mental health. Specifically, he has dedicated substantial time and energy to raising awareness about bipolar disorder, utilizing his public platform to candidly share his own experiences, dismantling the stigma that has dissuaded many from seeking help.

Since 1991, he has engaged with the Terrence Higgins Trust, advocating and garnering funds for individuals living with HIV and AIDS. He served as President of the charity’s Friends network for nearly two decades and hosted its annual gala, raising over £7m. Since 2009, he has held the position of Vice-President at Fauna and Flora International, and since 1997, he has acted as a patron for the charity Missing Persons.

THE RT HON. NICOLAS GIBB

He introduced a phonics screening assessment in 2012. By 2019, following the implementation of his method, 82% of schools were meeting or exceeding the expected benchmarks. He has globally promoted phonics, leading to England’s current ranking of 4th in the latest PIRLS international reading study. He also introduced the EBacc performance measure to guarantee that all students have access to the type of academic curriculum usually confined to those from more affluent backgrounds. He played a key role in enhancing the academic rigor of GCSEs and A Levels, preparing students for higher education and career opportunities. His commitment to modern foreign language instruction led to the initiation of the Mandarin Excellence Programme. He advanced several initiatives related to ongoing professional development for teachers, teacher recruitment and retention, and teacher training. During the COVID period, he facilitated the successful distribution of 1.3 million laptops to underprivileged students.

DR LOYD GROSSMAN CBE FRS

He has served as Chair of The Royal Parks (TRP) since its establishment in 2017 and has

played a crucial role in its achievements. He has adeptly guided a Board of Trustees in shaping

TRP’s long-term vision, establishing ambitious environmental objectives and engaging people and investments in the historic landscapes under TRP’s stewardship. He has been pivotal in securing philanthropic contributions that have financed major endeavors, including the £12m Greenwich Park Revealed project. During the COVID lockdown, he guaranteed that all the Royal Parks remained accessible to visitors, proving vital for health and wellbeing when many London residents faced limited access to green spaces. In his previous capacity as Chair of the Churches Conservation Trust, he has aided in preserving 340 structures that attract 2 million visitors annually. He was elected Chair of The Royal Society of Arts in October 2024.

ANDREW HAINES OBE

Since 2018, he has led Network Rail, revitalizing its performance in significant projects and infrastructure delivery, driving a renewed emphasis on cost management and making the £10bn TransPennine Route Upgrade a model initiative. He successfully resolved a major industrial relations conflict with the RMT, while also implementing essential reforms to working practices and establishing a taskforce to enhance safety for railway employees. He has ensured that NR leads in environmental matters, achieving reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions by 12% and 24%, respectively. He fervently believes in the broader role of the railway within the community, establishing a partnership with the Samaritans to combat suicides and creating the first industry-wide homelessness charter. He spearheaded efforts to create the Windrush national memorial at Waterloo, and guaranteed that NR provided crucial support to Ukraine for the rebuilding of their railway. He is also an ambassador for the Railway Children charity.

ALAN HOLLINGHURST

He is regarded among Britain’s premier literary novelists, whose most acclaimed work, The Line of Beauty (2004), winner of that year’s Man Booker Prize, is a remarkable depiction of the Thatcher era as one of doomed romance. His writings have significantly contributed to advancing LGBTQIA+ literature into the British literary landscape. He is celebrated for his refined style, captivating readers with eloquent reflections and societal comedy that recalls the past while addressing contemporary urgency. His latest novel, Our Evenings, was released in autumn 2024.

JEREMY MICHAEL ISAACS CBE

He is Honorary Life Chair and patron at Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, where, through his guidance, he has revamped“`html

Transforming it from a modest, regional charity into a respected and exemplary organization in children’s palliative care. Since 2009, he has expanded the charity’s revenue from £600,000 to £7.6 million. Noah’s Ark currently delivers specialized and empathetic palliative care for over 350 children facing life-limiting or life-threatening ailments, along with their families. With his support in 2010, the charity successfully identified and secured land in Barnet. He subsequently collaborated with the right individuals to conceive a cutting-edge, dedicated hospice. He spearheaded the fundraising initiative to construct and maintain The Ark, which amounted to £13.5 million.

THE RT HON. RANIL MALCOLM JAYAWARDENA PC

He was the Representative of Parliament for North East Hampshire from 2015 to 2024.

During his time in office, he acted as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, Minister for International Trade, and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Throughout his governmental role, he focused on safeguarding global supply chains during the Covid-19 pandemic, negotiated new trade agreements, and addressed water pollution issues. On a local level, he enhanced infrastructure and advocated for fairer funding for public services like Health and Education, including provisions for students with special educational needs. He previously held positions in local governance, including as Deputy Leader of the Borough of Basingstoke and Deane, and has supported various charities during his public service career, such as Sasha’s Project, aimed at assisting youth dealing with mental health challenges.

THE RT. HON. MARCUS JONES PC

He is a seasoned politician with over 19 years of service in local and national government. He maintained his position as Member of Parliament for Nuneaton for 14 years from 2010 to 2024, during which he served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Government, Vice Chairman of the Conservative Party for Local Government, Vice-Chamberlain of the Household, Comptroller of the Household, Minister of State for Housing, Treasurer of the Household, and Government Deputy Chief Whip. He has acted as an Ambassador for The Federation of Small Businesses’ “Keep Trade Local” initiative and has led campaigns such as the PFI Rebate campaign.

THE RT HON. SADIQ KHAN

He became the first individual to secure three terms as Mayor of London and previously represented the constituency of Tooting as a Member of Parliament from 2005 to 2016. While serving as an MP, he held roles including Minister of State for Transport, making him the first Muslim member to join the Cabinet, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Government Whip, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Shadow Minister for London, Shadow Lord Chancellor, and Shadow Secretary of State for Justice. Since 2016, as Mayor of London, he has overseen the launch of new transportation projects, including the Superloop, Elizabeth Line, and Night Tube. He also established the world’s largest clean-air zone and managed the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 crisis.

DR JOHN WILFRED LAZAR CBE

He is a remarkable technology entrepreneur whose commitment to charitable service and inspiring leadership set him apart from his contemporaries. As an angel investor, he has made approximately 50 investments, serving as a mentor and backer for various startups and accelerators. He is also Co-founder of Enza Capital, a Nairobi-based investment firm supporting founders utilizing technology to address significant issues across Africa, and manages multiple family projects. Since 2020, he has chaired the Raspberry Pi Foundation, advocating for ‘digital making’ skills among underprivileged youth. His voluntary contributions to the Royal Academy of Engineering have been substantial, and his high regard is evident in his appointment as Academy President in September 2024, succeeding Sir Jim McDonald.

NOEL QUINN

With a 37-year tenure at HSBC, including leadership roles in commercial banking in Hong Kong and the UK, he was appointed Group Chief Executive in March 2020. He also works closely with His Majesty’s Government, facilitating innovative solutions to further its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. He serves as a non-executive director of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, established by the King in 2020, and chaired the Financial Services Taskforce. The Task Force’s accomplishments include the launch of a guide designed to assist banks in consistently and transparently supporting clients’ transition to net-zero emissions, advancing the industry’s sustainability commitments. In 2021, he joined the Global Advisory Board for Out Leadership, a consultancy that collaborates with corporations to cultivate a worldwide community of LGBT+ and business leaders.

BRYAN KAYE SANDERSON CBE

During his tenure as Chair for the Low Pay Commission (LPC) from 2017 until 2023, he guided a vital UK labor market organization through a phase of extraordinary economic disruption. His efforts were crucial for the Government in fulfilling a significant pledge to eradicate low pay. He encouraged an inclusive workplace culture, creating an environment where Commissioners from diverse backgrounds could find common ground while maintaining stakeholder trust in the Low Pay Commission. He also served as Chair to the Florence Nightingale Foundation from 2008 to 2018, actively enhancing healthcare services, clinical results, and patient experiences through the elevation of nursing and midwifery leadership skills and abilities.

GARETH SOUTHGATE OBE

He is a prominent figure in English football, recognized for his substantial contributions as both a player and the manager of the England national team. He enjoyed a fruitful playing career with over 500 club appearances and earned 57 caps for the England national squad. As he transitioned into management, Southgate commenced his coaching journey with Middlesbrough before leading the England Under-21 team. His success with the youth squad led to his appointment as the manager of the senior England team in 2016. Under his guidance, England achieved their best World Cup result since 1990, reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, he led England to successive UEFA European Championships finals in 2021 and 2024, where they finished as runners-up. He is renowned for cultivating a positive team environment and prioritizing the development of young talent.

ANDREW STREET CBE

As the inaugural directly elected Mayor of the West Midlands, he has revitalized the area, dismantling barriers and transforming public service delivery to secure enhanced services, stronger growth, and investment while improving the West Midlands’ reputation on a national and international level. He has guided the combined authority to achieve a 62% decline in the number of individuals experiencing homelessness across the West Midlands Combined Authority area, negotiating a housing agreement with the government that has generated 12,000 jobs and 8,000 new homes since 2018. He played a crucial role in promoting Birmingham as the Government’s favored candidate for the Commonwealth Games in 2022. The Games’ Business and Tourism Programme, led by him, resulted in record inward investment to the West Midlands, with Birmingham attaining the best results of any regional city ever in 2023.