The leader of North Yorkshire County Council has been awarded an OBE (Officers of the Order of the British Empire) in the New Year honours list.

Carl Les' efforts over the last 20 years in local government have not gone unnoticed.

He has played a crucial role in providing essential services for 600,000 residents and businesses across the county.

He was chosen to lead the former North Yorkshire County Council in May 2015 and he has represented the Catterick area for more than 20 years.

Cllr Les described himself as 'delighted' to find out he was on this year's honours list.

He said: "Like many endeavours you can only achieve the best for people and businesses in local government through team effort.

"Whilst I am delighted, though humbled, to receive such an award I see it as a reflection of the teams I have had the privilege to lead.

"I am every bit as honoured to have worked with such committed and hardworking elected members and officers at the former county council and the new unitary, North Yorkshire Council.

"Through our collective efforts and strong partnership working across York and North Yorkshire we have achieved the unprecedented, landing single council status alongside a devolution deal.  

"Together these are a game-changer for our region. Presenting us with the best possible opportunity to protect the most valued and essential public services for our residents, while unleashing the local powers and funds which will drive economic growth and deliver better job opportunities for people and businesses here."

Cllr Les led the process known as local government reorganisation, during which the eight former councils providing public services in North Yorkshire, became one.

The unitary North Yorkshire Council launched on April 1, 2023 and is the largest council in England by geography and third largest by population. 

North Yorkshire also made history by becoming the first council in England to pursue unitary status and devolution side-by-side.

Together these huge change programmes will place the county in the strongest possible position in terms of finances and economic opportunity.

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device for just £4 for 4 months, click here

Most read

Murton dad took own life three days before Christmas

Cleveland Police find body in search of missing Stockton man

County Durham man was cable tied and detained against his will

Following his graduation, Carl worked and managed the family business before selling it and retiring in 2014.

Alongside his business and council activity he was always active in the community being a school governor and trustee, a Chair of North Yorkshire Youth and Chair of a geographically expanding CAB service.

He is also a volunteer director and presently interim chairman of Wensleydale Railway plc.