Just a few months into her new role, Brent’s new mayor has been recognised again – with an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Cllr Lesley Jones, who was inaugurated as Mayor of Brent in March, was made an MBE for services to local government.

A councillor for Willesden Green for 17 years, Cllr Jones MBE said: “I’m stunned. It’s all generated from residents and that’s what matters, if you want to be decent councillor you want your residents to be happy with you.

“They’ve been working at having me awarded since 2012, for anything. It makes it more valuable because you’re not relying on other officers or colleagues; it’s the people you’re representing. I’m so grateful to the residents who did the work, they were so persistant.”

Cllr Jones MBE, who lives in Dollis Hill, will go to Buckingham Palace to collect her medal later this year. She said it will be one of the many highlights of her career as she’s never been, and will pin her medal to her mayoral robe.

“As a mayor I can choose a charity. I chose the Young Carers of Brent. The youngsters who look after their families when they are ill. I want to try to give something back.”