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Dec 2023

Last Updated: 30/12/2023

Community

Tory council leader Carl Les receives OBE

by Flora Grafton

| 30 Dec, 2023

Carl Les, the leader of North Yorkshire Council, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List.

The Conservative politician was made leader of the former North Yorkshire County Council in 2015 and has represented the Catterick area for more than 20 years.

He led local government reorganisation in North Yorkshire this year, which saw eight former councils – including Harrogate Borough Council – become one unitary authority on April 1.

Cllr Les 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.”

North Yorkshire Council is now the largest council in England by geography and third largest by population.

It is also the first council in England to pursue unitary status and devolution at the same time.

Cllr Les added:

“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.”

He had also been a member of the North Yorkshire Police authority for 15 years and now chairs the police, fire and crime panel.

Outside of his work as a councillor, Cllr Les is also a volunteer director and currently interim chairman of Wensleydale Railway plc.

He managed his family business, which was in the tourism sector, before selling it and retiring in 2014.

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Tory council leader Carl Les receives OBE

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