The Prime Minister requested the honour be granted following the recent government reshuffle, in recognition of Kenneth Clarke’s longstanding public service to the country.
Notes to editors
Companions of Honour
The Order was instituted in 1917. The Order consists of The Sovereign and 65 members.
The Order of the Companions of Honour is conferred on people for recognised services of national importance, for a pre-eminent and sustained contribution in the arts, science, medicine or government.
Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters “CH”.
The Rt Hon Kenneth Clarke MP
Kenneth Clarke QC MP was appointed Minister without Portfolio in September 2012.
Kenneth Clarke was Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice from May 2010 to September 2012.
Other positions he has held include:
- Secretary of State for Health 1988 to 1990
- Secretary of State for Education and Science 1990 to 1992
- Home Secretary 1992 to 1993
- Chancellor of the Exchequer 1993 to 1997
He is the Conservative MP for Rushcliffe.