January 01, London (LNW): Ranil Jayawardena, the former Member of Parliament for North East Hampshire and ex-deputy leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC), has been recognised in the 2024 New Year’s Honours List, receiving a knighthood for his outstanding contributions to public service.
Born in London to Sri Lankan parents, the 38-year-old’s career in politics spans over a decade, from his early days as a local councillor to his service in the UK Parliament.
Jayawardena represented North East Hampshire from 2015 until his recent loss in the 2024 general election, making him a familiar and respected figure in his constituency, where he had lived for most of his life.
His commitment to public service, both at the local and national levels, has earned him this prestigious honour.
Expressing his gratitude for the knighthood, Jayawardena commented, “I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition from His Majesty The King. It is a reflection of the journey I’ve taken in public service, from serving as a local councillor to holding key Cabinet positions in government.“
Jayawardena’s political path began in Basingstoke, where he served as a councillor for the BDBC from 2008 until 2015. His rise through the ranks of local government saw him become the deputy leader of the council, a position that laid the groundwork for his later national political career.
“It was an immense privilege to serve as MP for the area where I grew up, attended local state schools, and where I continue to live with my family,” he said.
After securing a degree in Government from the London School of Economics in 2008, Jayawardena took his first steps into national politics, becoming the Member of Parliament for North East Hampshire in 2015.
Over the years, he built a reputation as a dedicated and effective politician, holding several important roles in government.
Between 2020 and 2022, he served as the International Trade Minister, where he was instrumental in negotiating trade agreements to strengthen the UK’s economic position, particularly during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
His leadership during this time helped ensure the resilience of global supply chains, a key factor in the UK’s recovery.
In September 2022, following the appointment of Liz Truss as Prime Minister, Jayawardena was promoted to Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
In this capacity, he spearheaded initiatives to tackle water pollution and protect the UK’s natural environment—issues that remain close to his heart.
In his message of thanks, Jayawardena expressed his gratitude to his family, colleagues, and constituents, acknowledging the crucial role they played in his achievements.
“I am incredibly thankful to my family, colleagues, and especially the people of North East Hampshire for their unwavering support over the years. It has been an honour to serve them, and I will always be proud of the work we’ve done together.“
