The former leader of Wandsworth Council Edward Lister has been awarded a knighthood in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Mr Lister, who served on Wandsworth Council for 35 years, was recognised for services to Local Government. He spent the last 19 years as leader of the council.

Until leaving the council earlier this year to take up the post of deputy mayor of London he was the longest serving council leader in the country.

With Mr Lister in charge, Wandsworth became the most successful value for money local authority in the country - combining a four star Audit Commission rating for excellence with the country's lowest council tax bills and top satisfaction ratings from its residents.

During his career at the council he was a leading campaigner on environmental, quality of life and transport issues and played a key role in forming the all-party alliance in south west London that defeated plans to expand Heathrow.

His successor as leader of the council, Ravi Govindia, has congratulated Mr Lister on his knighthood.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted for Edward - it’s a tremendous honour for him and for Wandsworth. His achievements in local government are simply unrivalled and it's hard to think of anyone more deserving of the title.

"At Wandsworth, Edward showed the rest of the country that a local council can combine exceptional services with a low tax rate. I’m certain he will add to his achievements at City Hall."