County Councils Network Chairman receives OBE

The Chairman of the County Councils Network, Cllr Tim Oliver, is to receive an OBE for his services to local government in the King’s Birthday Honours 2024.

Cllr Oliver, who has been chairman of the CCN since 2021, has had a long and distinguished career in local government. He has been an Elmbridge Borough or Surrey County councillor for nearly 25 years.

He took on the role of leader of Surrey County Council in 2018 and has provided financial stability, leadership across Surrey and had a clear positive impact on residents. Subsequently, he was elected Chairman of the CCN in June 2021 and has effectively championed the the issues facing county and unitary councils on a national stage.

Simon Edwards, Chief Executive of the County Councils Network, said:

“On behalf of the County Councils Network, I would like to congratulate Tim on this richly deserved award; a recognition of his many achievements in a long career in local government.

“Having served on both Elmbridge Borough Council and Surrey County Council – becoming leader in 2017 – Tim has worked tirelessly to champion Surrey for well over a decade. As chairman of the County Councils Network since 2021, Tim has been a strong advocate for improving local services for the 26m people who live in county and rural areas, helping to deliver an unprecedented 15 devolution deals to county locations over the last two years.”

Formerly CEO of a legal and professional services business, Cllr Oliver was extensively involved in driving operational delivery and business development. He is a qualified solicitor and the author of three legal text books.

He has held many non-executive roles including on a wide range of not-for-profit boards. Cllr Oliver is actively involved in the charity sector as vice president and previous chair of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and chair of the Weybridge Land Charity.