FOR DEVOTING his working life to local government, former chief executive of Hampshire County Council (HCC) Andrew Smith has earned a CBE.

The honour is in recognition of his outstanding contribution to public service over the last forty years.

With HCC for 25 years – he left in October last year - his appointment to chief executive in 2007 coincided with the economic downturn.

And during his time, he introduced an entrepreneurial approach to managing and developing public service, through the period of financial challenge.

This led to Hampshire becoming one of the highest performing local authorities in the country, the council has said.

He developed partnerships with the public and private sector, to sustain services for the future.

HCC leader Cllr Roy Perry said: “I am delighted for Andrew; he has dedicated his entire working life to improving public services and this award is the least he deserves.

“His ‘citizen first’ approach has benefitted everyone who lives and works in Hampshire, and his long-term vision for the public sector will benefit the generations to come.

“Andrew is a man of great integrity and a trusted leader in his field, inspiring staff and external organisations to go well beyond normal expectations.”