The former leader of Pendle Borough Council has finally received his MBE medal for his service to local government.
Mohammed Iqbal said it was a “humble day” for him to receive his MBE medal from her Royal Highness Princess Anne.
In a statement he said: “I want to dedicate this special day to my beloved parents , my father whose sadly not with us to witness this day would have been proud.
“I am eternally grateful to all those wonderful family members and friends who have supported me during my lifetime.
“Please pray I continue to serve the community to the best of my ability.”
Hundreds of people have reached out to the politician, praising him for his hard work for the local area.
“Mashallah, congratulations,” wrote one person.
“Couldn’t happen to a nicer person than you,” said another.
Mark Salmon added: “Amazing and well deserved, do we have to call you ‘sir’ now?"
Mohammed Iqbal was one of several local politicians to have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list back in 2020.
At the time, he said he was “surprised” to hear the news and dedicated the award to the people of Pendle.
Councillor Iqbal has served on Pendle Borough Council since 1998 representing the Bradley ward and has led the Labour group since 2006.
Mr Iqbal, who lives in Nelson, is also a County Councillor for Brierfield and Nelson West.
His leadership coincided with the coronavirus pandemic and the various challenges that faced East Lancashire authorities as a result.
Mr Iqbal is now an MBE which stands for Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
An MBE is the third highest ranking Order of the British Empire award (excluding a knighthood/damehood), behind CBE and then OBE.
The MBE is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community which has had a long-term, significant impact.
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