Commons Speaker’s aide awarded MBE

Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle has praised his “go-getting” diary secretary Jo-Anne Crowder after she received an MBE for more than 30 years of service to the House of Commons.

Crowder, a former Miss Sheppey who organises the Speaker’s diary by day and serves as an Associate Serjeant at Arms by night, was awarded the honour by Prince William at Buckingham Palace.

The staffer, who wrestled the ceremonial mace from an MP in 2018, said: “It’s all been a bit of a dream really: I received my 30 years’ service award during the pandemic, was awarded the MBE – and turned 50. I can’t wait to see what next year might bring!”