The O.B.E. - a huge Honour

Being awarded the O.B.E. in the New Year's Honours, was completely unexpected, and yes, a huge honour! I received the letter notifying me a month ago, that the PM had recommended me for the honour in recognition for 'services to local government'
To say I was gobsmacked, is an understatement!
If you'd told me years ago in my radical youth that I would be offered, and accept such an offer, I'd have scoffed at the suggestion. But age brings a different perspective. My family, friends and community, feel genuinely thrilled for me, as indeed I do.
Serving as a councillor in Hackney and Islington has not always been a walk in the park, but I've enjoyed it enormously, and still get a huge buzz when I can help my constituents with the myriad number of problems they face. I went into politics to make a difference, and for a fair number of people, I hope that I have.
Today, I've been inundated by the Turkish media, with press calls from Istanbul, Cyprus and here in London, and have been doing tv, press and radio interviews all day. Its a really big deal for the Turkish community. This is the first time someone from my community has received this honour, and I've been touched by the number of messages of congratulations I've received from the Turkish community saying how proud they are.
Also a big thank-you to all my friends and colleagues in the Lib Dems, and beyond, who have been so generous.
I'm sad that my father, who died last year, didn't live to see this, as he would have been very proud. He was the original community activist in the Turkish community - in the days when there were no community centres, he helped hundreds of people, with translations and support.
I will definitely be breaking open that champagne this evening!
Happy New Year to everyone!