Mark Heath given MBE for services to local government, while GLD duo receive OBEs

Mark Heath, a consultant at law firm VWV and former monitoring officer at Southampton City Council, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for services to local government.

Two lawyers at the Government Legal Department, Alasdair Wallace and Piers Le Marquand, have meanwhile been given OBEs.

Mark Heath served as the Local Returning Officer for Southampton from 1994 to 2024, and took on key leadership roles in regional and national elections. These include the South East Regional Returning Officer for the European Parliamentary Elections (2009, 2014, 2019), the Regional Counting Officer for the AV Referendum (2011) and EU Referendum (2016), and the Police Area Returning Officer for Hampshire across four PCC elections.

VWV said: “Mark has also contributed extensively to electoral law and policy through his work with government and the Electoral Commission. He has also led national reviews, lectured widely and been a longstanding source of guidance and support for Returning Officers through his role as the SOLACE lead on elections.”

Heath, who has been a consultant at VWV since 2016 where he specialises in public sector governance and electoral law, said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to have been awarded an MBE. It's a huge acknowledgement of the importance of everyone involved in running elections - from Returning Officers and administrators to the countless others who make democracy happen. I'm incredibly grateful to all those I've worked with across government, the Electoral Commission, SOLACE, AEA - and especially to the brilliant elections team in Southampton, past and present.”

Alison Cook, Head of Public of Sector at VWV commented: "I'm absolutely delighted to see Mark's commitment to local government recognised with an MBE. His  contribution to public service has been truly exceptional."

“We are delighted to see Mark's expertise and commitment recognised at the highest level.”

Alasdair Wallace, until the end of 2024, was Head of the Civil, Family, Court and Tribunals team for GLD’s Ministry of Justice Legal Advisers. He receives an OBE for services to Civil Justice.

The GLD said: “He played a key role in making sure the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) are accessible and understandable for the millions of people who use them to navigate the civil courts. Alasdair has helped to improve the clarity of all 58 sets of amendments to the CPR over the past 16 years. He is highly regarded by colleagues for his knowledge and generosity.”

Wallace said: “I’m hugely honoured, and humbled, to be recognised for my services to the operation of civil justice; but the services are far from being mine alone, and this honour recognises the enormous contribution of the talented and committed colleagues I have worked with over many years.

“While my career found an anchor in civil procedure and the Civil Procedure Rules, there is also a far wider area of contribution, to civil justice in the sense of the non-criminal courts and tribunals.

“The work done by the dedicated professionals in the Civil, Family, Courts and Tribunals team plays a vital part in ensuring that the non-criminal system runs as smoothly as possible, benefiting citizens and businesses alike across the country.”

Piers Le Marquand, who works in GLD’s Department for Transport Legal Advisory team, receives an OBE for services to the Legal Profession.

The GLD said: “He was instrumental in delivering the Autonomous Vehicles Act 2024 which is critical for the safe introduction of self-driving cars to Britain’s roads. He has been praised for his deft interpretation of the law, working extensively with international partners, and creating an inclusive work environment that delivers on behalf of citizens.”

Le Marquand said: “It was a huge surprise to me to get this award. Working in the civil service is always collaborative, and I regard it as recognition of the team work with fellow civil servants in the Government Legal Department and DfT.

“I have worked with wonderful colleagues in my 20 years in the civil service, most recently on self-driving vehicles projects and legal knowledge management.”

Susanna McGibbon, Treasury Solicitor and Permanent Secretary of GLD, said: “On behalf of the Executive Team and all at GLD, I would like to offer our congratulations to Alasdair Wallace and Piers le Marquand who have been given the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

“They have both made an exceptional contribution to GLD and to public service more widely. It is always great to see colleagues recognised for their work.”

Elizabeth Healey, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, has been made a Dame Commander of the Order of the Bath for public service.