COTSWOLD MP Geoffrey Clifton-Brown is celebrating after receiving a knighthood in the New Year Honours.

The longstanding politician is one of 25 newly appointed ‘Sirs’ and one of six politicians to receive the honour this year.

The MP said: "I am absolutely delighted to receive this honour in recognition of the very many people I have helped over the years.

"My constituents deserve to share in this honour as it has been a privilege to represent them over so many years as their Member of Parliament."

He also told the Telegraph: "My daughter is about to have a baby so we've got a double family celebration."

A statement by the Honours Committee about why Sir Geoffrey was selected read: “Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has been the MP for The Cotswolds and its predecessor constituencies for 25 years.

“He has served in a number of front bench positions and on a dozen Select Committees, with a particular interest in foreign affairs, local government, environment and agriculture.

“He has campaigned for transport improvements and chairs a flood sits on the Board of the Conservative Party and its sister party A.C.R.E in Brussels.

“He was Chair of the Conservative Party’s International Office for five years and sits on the Board of the Conservative Party and its sister party A.C.R.E in Brussels.”

However, Liberal Democrat leader for the Cotswolds Joe Harris said he is “left wondering what the amazing feat has been”.

He told the Standard: “I haven’t got anything against Geoffrey. But knighthoods should be reserved for people who have done amazing things for the country and I don’t really see what in 25 years Geoffrey did.

“It’s nothing to do with politics, it’s just an observation.”

Nearly a quarter of the 25 knighthoods in the New Year Honours have been given to current or former MPs, leading critics to claim the system is being abused to award political favours.

Mr Clifton-Brown, honorary treasurer of the Conservative Private Members’ Committee (the 1922 Committee), is one of three senior members of the committee who received honours.

Graham Brady, chairman of the 1922 committee has also been knighted and Cheryl Gillan, vice chairman, has been made a dame.