Morris Bright, leader at Hertsmere Borough Council, receives MBE at Buckingham Palace

Cllr Morris Bright was at Buckingham Palace on Thursday to receive his recognition after he was named in the 2018 New Years Honours list.

He has been awarded an MBE for his services to local government after first being elected to Hertsmere Borough Council in 1999.

Cllr Bright is the longest serving leader of the council after taking over in October 2007.

His visit to the royal palace was followed by a reception at Elstree Studios, of which he is chairman of. He was joined by his wife and three children, friends, councillors, officers, and studios managing director Roger Morris.

Cllr Bright with Elstree Studios managing director, Roger Morris, at the reception

Cllr Paul Morris, who has been honoured with an OBE himself, congratulated Cllr Bright on his award during a speech at the reception.

He said: "I have known Morris for a relatively short period of time, only since I became a councillor, about eight years ago.

"For my first year as a councillor I sat in every council meeting saying little or nothing but learning from Morris. His guidance and support has been invaluable, always in the back of my mind I thought I could be like him one day.

"The contribution Morris has made to Hertsmere and this community is immeasurable. Morris on behalf of Hertsmere, your fellow councillors from both sides of the chamber, we congratulate you on being recognised as the leading light of this council and studios."

Cllr Bright said he was "delighted" with the honour

Following his royal visit and reception, Cllr Bright said: "I was delighted to have my MBE presented by HRH The Prince of Wales and when we spoke I reminded him of his visit to open our George Lucas sound stages at Elstree Studios back in 1999. 

"It was a lovely day. I felt very honoured and am grateful for the many messages of congratulations and support from all parties at all levels of government. I shall remember the occasion always."