North Solihull's MP receives Damehood

AFTER several days of speculation, it has been confirmed that Meriden MP Caroline Spelman is to be made a Dame.
The former cabinet minister, who represents the constituency which includes North Solihull, had been rumoured to be in line for an honour following a leak to the Sunday Times a few days ago.
Today the news was made official, with the MP tweeting: "Honoured and humbled to have been successfully nominated to receive a DBE for political and public service.
"My sincere thanks to all of my constituents who continue to put their faith in me as their MP and for the kind messages I have received."
Mrs Spelman was among those put forward by  David Cameron, who exercised the privilege of Prime Ministers leaving office to submit a list of people to receive gongs.
His choices have come under considerable scrutiny however, with critics accusing the former PM of doling out honours to political allies, party donors and those who had worked for him at Downing Street.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the list "was so full of cronies it would embarrass a Medieval court."
Despite the criticism, Mr Cameron's successor,Theresa May, declined to veto the choices, arguing this would set a bad precedent.
Mrs Spelman is one of several sitting MPs to get the nod, with the former Chancellor George Osborne, Tory chairman Patrick McLoughlin and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon among the others recognised.
Conservative councillor Mark Parker said that Mrs Spelman's honour was "richly deserved."

Spelman's career - the highs and lows

1997 - First elected MP for Meriden
2001 - Promoted to shadow front bench by then leader Iain Duncan Smith
2007 - Becomes only the second female chair of the Conservative Party
2009 - Apologises for mistake relating to parliamentary expenses
2010 - Appointed Environment Secretary by David Cameron - one of the few women with a seat at cabinet
2011 - Forced to scrap flagship policy to sell off public forests following considerable criticism
2012 - Returns to backbenches following reshuffle
2015 - Wins fifth term of office with an increased majority
2016 - Helps set up Conservatives for Reform in Europe