Knighthood conferred upon Gerald Howarth MP
PM requested honour in recognition of Gerald Howarth's longstanding public service to the country.
The Queen has been pleased to approve that the honour of Knighthood will be conferred upon Gerald Howarth MP.
The Prime Minister requested the honour be granted following the recent government reshuffle, in recognition of Gerald Howarth’s longstanding public service to the country.
Notes to editors
Knight Bachelor
A knighthood rewards a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity usually, but not exclusively, at a national level, or in a capacity which is recognised by peer groups as inspirational and nationally significant, and which demonstrates sustained commitment.
A Knight Bachelor is an appointment, not a membership of an Order of Chivalry. Recipients can adopt the title “Sir” and there are no post nominal letters associated with the award.
Gerald Howarth MP
Gerald Howarth first represented Cannock and Burntwood 1983-1992 before returning to Parliament in 1997 as the Member of Parliament for Aldershot, a seat he has represented since.
Gerald was Parliamentary Private Secretary to Michael Spicer as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department of Energy 1987-1990, and as Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, 1990. He remained at the Department of the Environment 1990-91, serving as PPS to Sir George Young as Minister of State. Between 1991 and 1992, he was PPS to the former Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.
Gerald has considerable Parliamentary experience, serving on a number of influential House of Commons Select Committees between 1997 and 2003. These included the Home Affairs Select Committee and the Defence Select Committee.
In Opposition, Gerald also served on the Front Bench, putting to use his considerable military experience and interest. He was Shadow Minister for Defence 2002-2010.
In May 2010, Gerald was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (International Security Strategy) at the Ministry of Defence - a position he held until September 2012.