Maurice has been a councillor for 40 years, and deputy leader for a good chunk of that time (which means if I keep plodding on I’m not like to get anything until some time after 2038). But I don’t think Maurice is doing it for recognition – coming from an era when being a councillor was a public service rather than a job – but because of a desire to make Wandsworth a better place. He’s played a big role in making that happen, as well, and it’s hard to imagine Wandsworth as such a successful council without his contribution.

Congratulations to him and all the other Wandsworth residents recognised in this year’s honours.

Wandsworth has an excellent libraries service (and going to get better with the Tooting Library refurbishment and new Wandsworth town centre library) so it’s a well deserved honour.