TAMESIDE Council’s chief executive has spoken of his pride at being awarded with an MBE.
Harry Catherall has received the honour in the latest King’s Birthday list, which is released on Saturday, June 14, for outstanding contribution to public service.
After beginning his almost 46-year career in the borough he calls home as a 16-year-old apprentice, Mr Catherall returned from the neighbouring authority in Oldham to lead the council on what it calls its ‘improvement journey.’
And the lad from Hyde, who now lives in Stalybridge, admitted his career path is down to his mum.
Mr Catherall said: “I am a lifelong resident of Tameside, born in Newton, Hyde and attended Flowery Field infant, junior and senior schools.
“I was aware of ‘the council’ from a very early age, my mum spoke of the considerable support we got as a family, including the house we lived in.
“She inspired me to think about a career in public service and was so proud when I joined the council straight from school.
“A very high proportion of council staff are residents in their own local authority area and throughout my career I have encouraged all staff to take pride in their service, their council and most importantly the impact they have on improving the lives of residents in their hometowns.
“It’s a privilege to work alongside talented, dedicated and passionate people who are fully focused on changing their lives for better and I am absolutely delighted to be honoured with an MBE.”
As well as Tameside and Oldham, Mr Catherall has served the Stockport, Blackburn with Darwen and St Helens.
And to those who work alongside him, his royal recognition could not be more deserved.
Tameside Council’s leader, Cllr Eleanor Wils, said: “This is a well-deserved honour for Harry.
“We are deeply grateful for his exceptional service to Tameside Council to date, providing strong leadership through change, supporting our new political leadership, and driving stability and improvement across the council.
“His dedication has not only strengthened our organisation but also uplifted staff morale, fostering a culture of positivity and progress.
“As we look ahead, we are excited for the future he is helping to shape, and we remain confident in the continued improvement and success of our council.”
Mr Catherall’s nomination for an honour was made by Oldham Council, whose leader Cllr Arooj Shah said: “I am delighted that Harry has been honoured for his fantastic and longstanding contribution to local government.
“His drive to improve public services and to change the lives of local people is exemplary.
“Harry is an inspirational and transformative leader of public services and Oldham was incredible lucky to have him as its chief executive. There can be nobody more deserving of recognition”
Minister of State for Local Government and Oldham MP, Jim McMahon OBE, added: “I couldn’t be happier to see Harry Catherall awarded an MBE.
“Harry made a significant contribution during his time as CEO of Oldham Council, and I had the pleasure of seeing his straightforward and disciplined approach first hand.
“This is a fitting honour that reflects an outstanding commitment to local government public service over many years.”