Blair's spokesman gets top honour

Tony Blair's former official spokesman has been recognised in the Queen's New Year Honours list.
 
Tom Kelly becomes a Companion of the Order of the Bath, it was announced on Saturday

Kelly worked in Number 10 from 2001 until Blair resigned as prime minister in June 2007.

He had previously worked as a journalist for the BBC and as director of communications in the Northern Ireland Office.

Since leaving government has taken up a post as group director of public affairs for the British Airports Authority.

As a civil servant Kelly was not as controversial as his politically-appointed predecessor as spokesman Alastair Campbell.

However he was caught up in the Hutton inquiry into the death of Dr David Kelly in 2003 after he described the scientist to a journalist as a "Walter Mitty" character. He later offered a full apology.