BREAKING NEWS Post Office hero Alan Bates honoured with knighthood after exposing Horizon IT scandal alongside cyclist Mark Cavendish and Daily Mail writer Niall Ferguson in King Charles' birthday honours Former subpostmaster named on honours list, having previously rejected OBE He learned of knighthood as Paula Vennells gave evidence at Horizon inquiry Sir Alan insisted his honour was on behalf of all those wronged by the scandal By Vanessa Allen And Neil Sears Published: 17:31 EDT, 14 June 2024 | Updated: 17:46 EDT, 14 June 2024 e-mail 56 View comments Alan Bates was awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours on Friday after his landmark campaign for justice for hundreds of wrongly convicted postmasters. The former subpostmaster was honoured alongside former prime minister Gordon Brown, artist Tracey Emin and actress Imelda Staunton, and hundreds of community heroes. The list celebrated charity fundraisers and activists alongside celebrities and sports stars, including knighthoods for cyclist Mark Cavendish and Mail writer Niall Ferguson, and a damehood for fashion designer Anya Hindmarch.
The highest award went to Mr Brown, who said he was 'slightly embarrassed' to be made a Companion of Honour and would prefer to recognise 'unsung, local heroes'. Perhaps the most popular award was the knighthood for Mr Bates, whose legal battle against the Post Office was dramatised by ITV earlier this year. Alan Bates was awarded a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours on Fr.
