With respect, Orwill, Leon's place is much futher down the list than Roy's . .

But my guess is that Roy's (well deserved) award comes because someone nominated him for it (yes, these days anyone can nominate folks for UK honours). And it has to be said that this process does lead to some highly idiosyncratic awards. (There's a non-musical one in our local community which has insensed many people . . )

And no, it's not New Labour reaching out to Old Labour - popular nominations for Honours is FAR too radical for New "Labour"; the scheme was put in place by John Major. Far from the only time he showed himself to be more of a Social Democrat than the "New" Labour party.

G