Alliance Councillor Billy Webb has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list.
The Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor received the prestigious accolade for his service to local government and the community.
A Councillor for 18 years – having held both the role of Mayor and Deputy Mayor throughout this time – Mr Webb is well known in the local community for his hard work and willingness to work for everyone.
Apart from holding elected office, Billy Webb was President of the Alliance Party from 2012 until stepping down in 2015. He is focussed on local education, being on the board of governors of two local schools and aside from politics is probably best known for his work with NI Hospice, holding the position of Chair since 2012.
Speaking after the award was announced, Billy Webb said: “I was overwhelmed and pleasantly surprised when I was told that I’d be awarded the MBE. It is a completely unexpected honour and I am very grateful to whoever nominated me.
“My motivation for joining Alliance and getting involved in local politics was the vision I had for my local community, and those values and belief in a shared future remain at the heart of my work today.
“Over the years that I have been a Councillor and involved in various community activities I have been supported by my wife and family, so this award is as much for them, as for me.
“I have no doubt that my role as Chair of the Northern Ireland Hospice has been a factor in this award and I want to pay tribute to all of the staff in Hospice for their dedication in caring for patients and their families, and to all the volunteers for all they do in helping, or in raising much needed funds for the Hospice.”
ENDS