Congratuations to Cllr Maurice Heaster, who received an OBE for services to local government the New Year’s honours.

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.