Former West Midlands mayor Andy Street knighted in New Year Honours

Andy Street, the former mayor of the West Midlands, has received a knighthood in the New Year honours list.

Sir Andy (pictured) was elected as the first mayor of the West Midlands in May 2017 and served two terms for the Conservatives until he lost to Labour’s Richard Parker in May 2024.

The former John Lewis managing director, who received the knighthood for contributions to public service, said it was “an accolade for the people in the West Midlands” and he had only been “the front man”.

Sir Andy added: “Behind the scenes were some of the most dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure to work with.

“From the front desk to the executives and the political leaders at the West Midlands Combined Authority, to colleagues across the public, private and charitable sectors, their selflessness and passion for the West Midlands made all of this and more possible.

“They are the people who you don’t always get to hear from, but who give everything day after day to try and improve citizens’ lives.

“This honour is for them, alongside a heartfelt thank you from me for the teamwork that made the West Midlands a better place.”

Other recipients from the West Midlands include Professor Vladlena Benson, director of Aston University’s Cyber Security Innovation Centre.

She receives an MBE for her leadership in cybersecurity.

Professor Benson is a member of the UK Cyber Security Council’s Professionalism Working Group and contributes to the EU’s Agency for Cybersecurity task force, which is shaping cybersecurity frameworks across Europe.

Deborah Lowe, from Rowley Regis, is awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for services to musical theatre in the West Midlands as chair and director of Youth Onstage.

She said: "To be rewarded with a medal for something you love doing is simply marvellous. 

"However, I would never be able to achieve the fabulous standard of our performances without the amazing team of people who work with me, including my husband, behind the scenes and, of course, our awesome members.”