ISLINGTON Council's new Chief Executive John Foster has been awarded the CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.<br>John, who began his career in public service almost 40 years ago, was honoured for his services to Local Government.<br>He joined Islington Council last month after successfully transforming Wakefield District Council from "poor" to "good" and greatly improving resident satisfaction.<br>John said: "It was a great surprise to be made a CBE, but I was obviously very pleased.<br>"More than anything I am delighted this is further recognition for local goverment, which has a huge positive influence on so many people's lives."<br>Cllr James Kempton, Leader of Islington Council, said: "Congratulations to John for this richly-deserved honour.<br>"He's known as one of the best Chief Executives in the UK, and this just underlines how highly he's regarded.<br>"Islington is already seeing his passion and commitment to delivering top-quality services for local residents.<br>"John will achieve great things for Islington."<br>Previous honours for John include being voted one of the top five council bosses in the UK in 2006 in a survey by Ipsos Mori and the Municipal Journal.<br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009