TOP SOUTH YORKSHIRE OFFICIALS NAMED IN NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST

Published 30 December 2025 at 11:29am

• Senior South Yorkshire public officials, comedian and headteacher among names in King’s New Year Honours List for 2026 

Top South Yorkshire public officials, a comedian and a headteacher have been recognised in the King’s New Year Honours List for 2026.  

The list celebrates those who have contributed to their community and country.  

Writer Roy Clarke, Barnsley Council Chief Executive Sarah Norman, Sheffield Public Health Director Greg Fell, comedian and Chuckle Brother Paul Elliott and Arbourthorne Community Primary School Headteacher Vanessa Marie Langley, are among those who have received honours in South Yorkshire.  

Sarah Norman has been awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her outstanding dedication and contribution to Local Government. Sarah has been the Chief Executive of Barnsley Council since July 2019 and has had a long career in local government. 

And from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Simon Nokes,  has received a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). 

SYMCA Chief Executive Katharine Hammond said: “I am delighted that one of the SYMCA team, Simon Nokes, has been awarded a well-deserved MBE in the New Year’s Honours list for his services to Regional Economic Growth across the North of England. Simon joined our Growth, Business and Skills team in September 2024, bringing with him extensive experience from Greater Manchester Combined Authority, including in securing its Trailblazer Devolution Deal in 2023.  

“Other important colleagues were also recognised this New Year, with Barnsley Council’s Chief Executive Sarah Norman receiving an OBE along with Sheffield’s Director of Public Health Greg Fell. I am personally so pleased to see Sarah recognised in this way as I often see at firsthand how important her leadership and dedication are to our region.  

“The creative side of South Yorkshire was represented brilliantly with a knighthood for Doncaster-born writer Roy Clarke and an MBE award for Rotherham entertainer Paul Chuckle for his work as an ambassador for cancer charity Marie Curie.   

“It is also especially great to see so many people receiving awards for their work in our local communities across South Yorkshire.   

“My congratulations go to all the South Yorkshire people who have received an award, another reflection of the strength of our local communities and the commitment of so many people to improving the lives of people across our region and beyond.”  

Simon Nokes, Director of Growth, Business and Skills at SYMCA, said: 
“I’m incredibly honoured to receive an MBE. Working to support economic growth across the North has been a privilege throughout my career.  

“This recognition reflects the dedication of the talented teams I’ve worked with in Greater Manchester, across the North, and now in South Yorkshire who are committed to driving opportunities, investment and prosperity for our communities.  

“I’m grateful for the support of colleagues past and present, and I look forward to continuing our work to improve the lives of people and businesses across the region.” 

The full New Year Honours List can be found on the government website.