Nineteen Essex people have been recognised in HM The King’s Birthday Honours 2024
They include an MP, a campaigning journalist, the founder of a horse sanctuary, and a retired paramedic.
Former Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris becomes a Dame Commander. She holds the Government post of Comptroller of the Household and was the MP for Castle Point since 2010. She played a key role in the procession for Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral and the King’s Coronation in May. She is also responsible for ensuring all Government legislation progresses through Parliament and into law. She has worked as an adviser and has also served as a local councillor.
Journalist Wendy Brading has been awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for her campaigning work. She is Deputy Head of News for Newsquest titles.
Sue Burton, who founded the Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary in Ingatestone, was awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal). The Sanctuary was founded in 1983 following the plight of the horses on Rainham Marshes.
David Dean, a former paramedic with the East of England Ambulance Service Trust was awarded the King’s Ambulance Service Medal. Mr Dean, from Wickford, retired as a paramedic this year after 36 years of service.
Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, the King’s representative in the county, said: “Without people such as those who are honoured, our lives, our county and country would be much the poorer. But these honours reflect and recognise only a small part of the huge contribution of many who work tirelessly for their communities”.
The Essex List
Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire
Rebecca HARRIS, Lately Comptroller and Member of Parliament for Castle Point. For Political and Public Service. Essex.
Companion of the Order of the Bath
Simon Patrick MCKINNON CBE, Lately Director General, Department for Work and Pensions. For services to Digital Technology. Shenfield.
Officer of the Order of the British Empire
Dr Adam Robert BAKER, Head, Fusion Policy, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. For services to Fusion Energy. Basildon.
Christopher Phillip JONES, Chair, Waste Industry Safety and Health. For services to Health and Safety. Chelmsford.
Nicholas Peter MACLEAN, Trade and Investment Envoy, Scottish Government. For services to Trade and to Bilateral Relations. Rayleigh.
Orla Mary MACRAE, Deputy Director, Department for Science Innovation and Technology. For services to Online Safety. Colchester.
Professor Matthew WOOLLARD, Professor of Data Policy and Governance, UK Data Archive, University of Essex. For services to Data Science. Colchester.
Member of the Order of the British Empire
Richard George BOYD, Senior Policy Adviser, Department for Business and Trade. For services to Mental Health. Southend on Sea.
Wendy BRADING, For services to Journalism. Harwich.
William HIRON, Managing Director, Stephensons of Essex. For services to Passenger Transport. Maldon.
Dr Ian LLEWELLYN, Head, Technical Energy Specialists, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. For services to Net Zero Innovation. Harlow.
Patrick William Thomas WILKINS, For services to St. Paul’s Cathedral, London. Leigh-on-Sea.
Medal of the Order of the British Empire
Bernadette Marion BANNEVILLE, Lately Correspondence Officer, Prime Minister’s Office. For Public Service. Wickford.
Sue BURTON, Founder, Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary. For services to Equine Welfare. Ingatestone.
Gayle Rosalyn CONNORS, For services to Radio Broadcasting. Basildon.
Thomas James CULLEY, Co-Vice Chair, Apprenticeship Ambassador Network. For services to Apprenticeships and Skills. Waltham Abbey.
Carol Olive HIPKIN, Founder and Group Chief Instructor, Riding for the Disabled Colchester (Garrison) Group. For services to Young People. Colchester.
Ann Elizabeth NUTT, Chair, Patient Panel, The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust. For services to the NHS. Harlow.
HM The King’s Ambulance Service Medal
David Alexander DEAN, Senior Paramedic Mentor, East of England Ambulance Service
More About Honours
The Individual Honours system in the UK is designed to recognise people and who make a real difference to their community or in their field of work.
You can nominate someone for an Honour here >
You can find out more about Honours here >
View the full 2026 New Year Honours List on the Government website here >
About The Lord Lieutenant of Essex
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Essex is Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, appointed in 2017. She is His Majesty the King’s personal representative in the county.
The main duty of the Lord-Lieutenant is to uphold the dignity of the Crown in Essex, including encouraging voluntary service and benevolent organisations, helping to create a spirit of co-operation in the county, supporting business and industry and the social life of Essex.
The appointment is non-political and unpaid.
Find out more about the role of a Lord-Lieutenant and the Lieutenancy >
Find out about a Day in the Life of HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex >
If you would like to invite HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex to attend an event, please contact the Lieutenancy office here >
