Former Portsmouth leader's pride as he picks up CBE honour at Windsor Castle
THE former leader of Portsmouth City Council has spoken of his pride after being awarded a CBE by the Queen at Windsor Castle.
Liberal Democrat councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson picked up the prestigious honour for his services to local government.
Cllr Vernon-Jackson met and spoke to Her Majesty – who asked how the dredging of Portsmouth Harbour was coming along ahead of the arrival of the new carriers.
Cllr Vernon-Jackson, whose mother Jean has an MBE, said: ‘It was a very proud moment and I am hugely honoured.’
Cllr Vernon-Jackson was the city’s leader for 10 years.