THE leader of Oxfordshire County Council, Cllr Keith Mitchell, has spoken of his delight and surprise at being appointed a CBE for services to local government.
He said: “It was totally unexpected. I usually get home late and when I saw the envelope was from 10 Downing Street, I believed it would be politically related. I was stunned and delighted when I opened it and saw the contents. It has been quite difficult to remain quiet until the official announcement!”
He went on: “When I sold my business interests in 1990, I didn’t know where my career would lead. I am delighted to have been able to contribute so much and now to be in a position to champion Oxfordshire’s interests at the highest levels.
“My business career has stood me in good stead and still, to this day, shapes many of my thoughts and my outlook.
“My first public role was on a rather old fashioned body called the Family Practitioners Committee in the NHS. The world has changed incredibly since then. Local government is far more professional but far more demanding. I am lucky to have had a successful business which I was able to sell. I could then devote my time to public life. I regularly work a 100-hour week so there is not much chance of me having an independent career as well.
“However, I am supported by a fantastic team of councillors, particularly but not exclusively my Cabinet and other councillors, excellent officers and hard working colleagues across the South East. My appointment as a CBE is wonderful but it isn’t an award at the end of a life’s work. I still have lots of hard work ahead of me.”
Keith Mitchell was elected as Leader of Oxfordshire County Council in November 2001. In 2002 he became chairman of the South East England Regional Planning Committee and, in 2005, he became chairman of the South East England Regional Assembly, a position he still holds.
He is also chairman of the English Regional Network. Each of these positions reflects Councillor Mitchell’s interest in regional planning, transport and housing issues. He is particularly interested in the ongoing housing debate in the South East and champions both the regional and county cause at national level.
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