Chairperson of Herefordshire Council Cllr Roger Phillips has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the county and its residents in the New Year’s Honour List for 2026.
Cllr Phillips, a leading member since 1997, has been awarded the OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire), for services to the community of Herefordshire.
A farmer in Pembridge, Leominster, Cllr Phillips has created and led initiatives that have transformed the county, improving the economy, access, public services and more across rural communities.
Cllr Jonathan Lester, Leader of Herefordshire Council, said:
“For nearly 30 years, Roger has improved the lives of local people, as an innovator, champion for our county, and a true political leader who has delivered transformational change. From creating jobs at scale; to driving development of major transport infrastructure, new leisure facilities and better services; and securing support for the agricultural community, he is one of the few people in councils across the country who has consistently made such an impact.
“We are all proud to call Roger a colleague, and even prouder of what he has achieved in so many ways. This is hugely deserved national recognition for such a popular and committed public servant, who continues to make a major difference for our county and the people we serve.”
Cllr Phillips said
“I have been fortunate over many years to have worked with many wonderful people, both inside and outside the county, on projects, events and services we can be rightly proud of. Herefordshire has a remarkable culture of collaboration as a community, which has enabled us to continue delivering for local people, and to punch above our weight nationally.”
Cllr Phillips is one of the longest serving Herefordshire Council members, representing the Arrow ward, comprising Pembridge, Shobdon, Lyonshall, Eardisland, and the Titley group parishes, and serving as a Parish councillor. He was Leader of Herefordshire Council from 2003 – 2011.
He has led some of the county’s major projects in recent decades. He was Chair of Hereford Enterprise Zone which attracted millions of pounds of investment, creating more than 1,000 jobs to become the county`s largest employment estate. Cllr Phillips led the drive to build the Rotherwas Access road, successfully relocate Hereford Livestock market, and redevelop the Old Market site. Significant other projects include Leominster’s swimming pool, the new Herefordshire Records and Archive Centre, and construction of the new Hereford Fire Station, due for completion in early 2027.
He has also been a County Magistrate for more than 30 years, and a committee member of Royal Three Counties Show which he currently chairs.
A passionate campaigner for the county and rural councils and communities, he has given Herefordshire a strong seat at the table on national issues. As Chair of the Rural Services Network, which represents almost 500 councils and other public, private and third sector organisations, he continues to ensure rural, coastal and small-town communities have a strong voice and can influence across political parties, including the highest levels of government.
For the past ten years, he has Chaired the Advisory Board overseeing the Local Government Pension Scheme, one of the country’s largest with 6.7 million members and a market value of nearly £400 billion. Cllr Phillips is also one of just 12 councillors on the National Joint Council (NJC) for Local Government Services.
Published: Tuesday 30 December 2025
