Arlene Foster
FORMER leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Arlene Foster has been made a Dame.
Foster was the Northern Ireland Legislative Assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone from 2003 until 2021.
She was the first minister of Northern Ireland from January 2016 until January 2017, during which she faced calls to resign over the Renewable Heat Incentive Scandal.
In protest, deputy first minister Martin McGuinness resigned, forcing Foster out of office and collapsing the Northern Ireland Executive.
The executive was not reformed until 2020, when Foster again assumed the first minister role.
During Foster’s spell as leader, the DUP entered into a confidence and supply agreement with Theresa May’s minority Conservative government following the 2017 General Election.
She resigned as leader in April 2021 following an internal party revolt.
Foster resigned from the Northern Ireland Assembly in October 2021 and is now a presenter for GB News.
Her damehood has been awarded “for political and public service.”
Mervyn Gibson
An MBE has been awarded to the controversial Orange Order’s Grand Secretary Meryvn Gibson.
The ex-Royal Ulster Constabulary Special Branch officer is a prominent figure in the Unionist movement in Northern Ireland.
He worked in the police for nearly 20 years before becoming a reverend.
His honour has been awarded “for services to the community in Northern Ireland.”
Maria Miller
The Tory MP for Basingstoke Maria Miller has been awarded a DBE.
Miller was culture secretary and minister for women and equalities from 2012 to 2014 under David Cameron.
She resigned from these roles following an expenses scandal and press criticism of her apology.
Her award was “for parliamentary and public service.”
Euan Blair
Son of former prime minister Tony Blair, Euan Blair is now the millionaire owner of Multiverse.
Multiverse is a tech start-up that connects school leavers with apprenticeships and on the job training at companies.
He has been awarded an MBE for “services to education.”
