by Paul Goodman
Michael Howard is a great servant of the Conservative Party, and our readers will be delighted to read about his elevation this morning. Having seen a bit of him over the past 15 years or so I can report that he is as kind close up as he is intimidating at a distance.
Sir John Major, who is also a Companion of Honour, was of course Prime Minister. That Lord Howard, who was not, is now of the same rank is recognition of his seniority and ability. He is also very close to David Cameron, who when he was Home Secretary served him as a special adviser.
Edward Lister, until recently the leader of Wandsworth Council and now Boris Johnson's Chief of Staff (as well as a Deputy Mayor) , is knighted. The only MP I can see on the list is Labour's Alan Meale. Read the full list here.
10.30am Update The Daily Telegraph lists three Conservative MPs as having been appointed to the Privy Council - Nicholas Soames, Desmond Swayne, and Sir Peter Tapsell: many congratulations to them.