Gongs, Glasgow and Unfinished Business
After a very welcome period in which public honours were not bestowed on senior council officials in Glasgow, normal service seems to have been restored with another round of OBEs and MBEs.
Now I'm all in favour of recognising excellent service and people's public commitment, but the gongs in Glasgow always get handed out to the council's most highly paid officials - not those delivering vital services in local communities.
So where are all the carers, cleaners, catering workers, clerical staff and classroom assistants?
I suspect the world would be a much better place if people who think they 'deserve' a public honour were barred from receiving one, but Glasgow City Council has a long record of senior officials being rewarded in this way.
The whole unseemly business was brought to a halt when the fight for equal pay in Glasgow was at its height - far too embarrassing for the council I suspect.
But it's a really poor show the same old malarkey has started up again, especially while the fight for equal pay in Glasgow remains unfinished business.
Queen’s Birthday Honours: Senior Glasgow City Council staff awarded for COP26
2nd June
By Stewart Paterson - Glasgow Times
Glasgow City Council senior staff honoured by the Queen after city hosted COP26
THE chief executive of Glasgow City Council has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her services to local government.
Annemarie O’Donnell will be made an OBE.
Ms O’Donnell said: “I think it is undeniable that, when somebody in a role like mine receives an honour, it reflects the work and the dedication of thousands of people.
“I’m very proud to play my part for my city and its communities; but I’m one of many more in schools, in social care and in depots, venues and offices all over the city."
As well as recognising three decades of service in the city, rising to the lead officer role in 2014, the honour reflects the city’s role in hosting COP26 last year.
Other senior staff, responsible for leading Glasgow’s role in hosting COP26, have also been recongised for services to local government.
Denise Hamilton, who led the city’s delivery team both during the planning of COP26 and during the event itself, is made an MBE.
She said: “I am delighted – and surprised - to receive this honour.
“I feel lucky to have had the chance to lead our team over the three years leading up to COP26 - one of the largest events ever held, which was delivered under very difficult circumstances.
“We worked with a lot of teams within the council and a really varied group of partners locally, nationally and internationally and I want to thank them for all the help and support they gave me.”
Colin Edgar, the council’s head of communications and strategic partnerships, is made an MBE.
He said: “It was a real privilege to play a part in hosting what will ultimately be seen as a turning point in tackling the climate emergency.
"We put together a really strong team and this recognises all of their hard work.”
