A THRILLED political stalwart has credited her OBE to the “great support” she has received from her council colleagues.

Lesley Clarke, a Wycombe District and Buckinghamshire County Councillor, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to local government.

She is also recognised for her dedication in promoting women in politics as chairman of the Women's Local Government Society.

Cllr Clarke said: “I’d like to thank everyone for their kind wishes since the award was announced.

“It’s an acknowledgement of the superb team support I’ve had from everyone over the years and it is definitely down to great team work.”

The Abbey ward member has served the district council since 1991, initially representing the then Cressex and Frogmoor ward.

Cllr Clarke led the authority between 2003 and 2011 and was at the helm when the Eden shopping centre opened its doors in 2008.

She is also the current Vice Chairman of the district council.

WDC leader Cllr Richard Scott, who took over from Cllr Clarke’s successor Cllr Alex Collingwood, said: “Lesley is a hard working councillor, giving a great deal to her ward members and to the district during her time as leader of the council.

“We congratulate Lesley on what is a truly well deserved honour which acknowledges her long and distinguished service to local government.”

Cllr Clarke stormed to victory in the county council elections in May, taking her time around the County Hall table to 12 years and counting.

She is the current Cabinet Member for Environment, having previously held the post of Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

BCC leader Cllr Martin Tett, said: “Lesley has earned this recognition thanks to her hard work and dedication to her community and the councils she has been a member of over many years.

“All of us at the county council congratulate her wholeheartedly. We’re very lucky to have Lesley as a member of our Cabinet.”

Cllr Clarke has been chairman of Wycombe Youth Action since 1995 and is also a committee member of the Daws Hill Neighbourhood Forum, which was born out of the Localism Act last year.