Knighthood for Scarborough MP and MBE's for Two Scarborough Residents

Friday, 31 December 2021 22:30

By Matthew Pells

Scarborough and Whitby MP Robert Goodwill receives a Knighthood in the new years honours.

Mr Goodwill is appointed Knights Bachelor for his political and public service.

He has been the MP for Scarborough and Whitby since 2005 and prior to that was one of Yorkshire’s three Conservative Members of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2004. During his tenure Robert was Deputy Leader of the Conservative MEPs as well as spokesman on Environmental Policy.

Mr Goodwill has served as a Member of the Transport Select Committee, worked as Shadow Roads Minister in the transport team, as an Assistant Government Whip and has held several positions as a Minister of State in Transport, the Home Office, Education and DEFRA.

Robert told This is the Coast that he is honoured by the appointment.

“I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been included in this year’s New Year’s Honours List.

I started delivering leaflets for the Conservatives while I was still at school in York and have always been fascinated by politics.

Certainly, my inspiration was Margaret Thatcher whose 1979 General Election Campaign I helped in whilst at Newcastle University taking my finals. I have been privileged to represent Yorkshire seats both in the Commons and European Parliament where I was Deputy Leader before being selected to fight the Labour held seat of Scarborough and Whitby for the 2005 General Election.

I have had the honour of being a Minister in both David Cameron and Theresa May’s Governments serving as a Minister of State in four departments, most recently as Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

As a farmer on a family farm in the Howardian Hills, I could never have predicted that I could become a Member of Parliament let alone a Minister or be knighted.

I could not have achieved this without the help of my wife, Maureen who has helped keep the family and business on the straight and narrow nor without the many campaigners, supporters and voters in Scarborough and Whitby.”

The new years honours list also includes awards for two Scarborough residents.

Paul Creelman is awarded an MBE for services to Fostering and Youth Work.

Paul was a police officer in North Yorkshire for 30 years and since retiring has worked for the Youth Justice Service as a support worker, been involved in projects at the Rainbow Centre, the Skill Mill and recently the Skills4Work project which is a local, social enterprise that prepares 16 to 18-year-olds for employment. Paul has also been a foster career for many years.

Lee Cooper is awarded an MBE for services to forestry. Lee is a Forest Research Worker.