New Years Honours List: Lib Dems see three people honoured for their services

EMBARGO: For Immediate Release

The Liberal Democrats have seen three people honoured in the New Years Honours list.

Councillor Helen Belcher was awarded an OBE for her services to the transgender community, Reverend Dr. Margaret Joachim was awarded an MBE for her work on getting more women involved in politics and finally Sheila Ritchie was awarded an MBE for her services to the Scottish Liberal Democrats. 

Commenting on Helen Belcher's OBE, Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Ed Davey MP said:

“Helen is an amazing campaigner for the trans community within the Liberal Democrats and beyond. She has helped so many overcome misconceptions about trans and non-binary people - either through her work as a writer, as an openly trans councillor, or as a party activist. 

“Her wisdom and compassion are qualities I value highly as both a colleague and friend. We in the Liberal Democrats are so proud of her and this well-deserved accomplishment.”

Commenting on Margaret Joachim's MBE, Ed Davey said:

“For over thirty years, Margaret has gone above and beyond for the Liberal Democrats. Where she shines most, however, is in her work getting more women involved in politics.”

“I’m proud that for the first time ever, women make up the majority of our parliamentary party. But this couldn’t have been possible without Margaret’s tireless efforts in implementing our all-women shortlist policy. We are all in awe of her energy and passion to make a difference - and are so proud of this incredible achievement.”

Commenting on Sheila Ritchie's MBE, Ed Davey said:

“Sheila is literally one of the greatest forces of nature I have ever been lucky enough to work with. Whether she’s coordinating volunteer activists across Scotland or fighting in the European Parliament for stronger support for agricultural and rural communities.” 

“The Liberal Democrats are so much stronger as a party thanks to indefatigable campaigners like Sheila. She rightly deserves this accolade, and we are so proud of her.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Bios available below:

Councillor Helen Belcher

Helen Belcher has been awarded an OBE for her services to the transgender community. Helen set up a charity in 2009 called Trans Media Watch which enables people working in the media to better understand the lives of trans and intersex people to ensure their reporting is clear, factual and respectful. In 2012 Helen gave evidence to the Leveson Inquiry on the treatment of trans issues in the press. She was subsequently asked to give evidence to two parliamentary inquiries – one on the issues facing trans people, and another on freedom of speech. In 2021 she was elected to Wiltshire Council and stood as the parliamentary candidate for Chippenham in 2017 and 2019. She is now an accredited trainer in the Liberal Democrats, concentrating on diversity and campaigning.

Reverend Dr. Margaret Joachim

Reverend Dr. Margaret Joachim has been awarded an MBE for enabling local people to participate in democracy, with a particular focus on getting more women involved in political roles. She has held many volunteer roles in the Liberal Democrats, including as Chair of the Women’s Liberal Federation and Chair of Women’s Liberal Democrats. As Chair of the English Candidates Committee, she was responsible for implementing the all-women shortlists policy in the party’s parliamentary candidate selection process - creating the conditions which have led to the Liberal Democrats’ parliamentary party being majority female.

Sheila Ritchie

Shelia Ritchie has been awarded an MBE for her services to the Scottish Liberal Democrats. She has been a lifelong campaigner and during her time has served two terms as Convenor (head of the voluntary party) in Scotland. She served as a member of the European Parliament (MEP) from 2019 until the UK left the EU. During the late 80s and early 90s she was a councillor on Gordon District Council serving as Deputy Leader and as Convenor of Policy and Resources. Outside of politics she has a long standing volunteering role with the RSPB as well as serving as a trustee of the Macaulay Development Trust - a sustainable land development charity.