Congratulations Abi Brown OBE & Chandra Kanneganti CBE!
Fomer Council Leader Cllr Abi Brown and GP Doctor/Cllr Chandra Kanneganti were both recognised in the 2024 New Years Honours List.
Cllr Abi Brown was awarded an OBE for services to Local Government and Dr/Cllr Chandra Kanneganti was awarded a CBE for services to general practice.
Responding to the news, Abi Brown OBE told Stoke-on-Trent Live:
"Being recognised in the King’s New Years Honours for services to local government is incredibly humbling," Abi said of receiving the honour.
"I have had the most enormous privilege of championing my small but mighty city of Stoke-on-Trent on national and international stages at maybe one of the most important stages of its evolution, and I continue to represent the most wonderful community in the Meir Park ward. Alongside that, I’ve been able to represent the great work of local government in the heart of national government, ensuring the value it delivers across our country is recognised in Westminster.”
“I first stood to be a councillor as I saw so few people like me represented in local government - young women with families, aspiring to improve the place they lived. I saw so many of my friends leaving the city to live and work elsewhere, and felt sad that somewhere with so many opportunities was failing to seize its own potential."
"I never expected to be anything more than a backbench councillor - so playing a leading role on Stoke-on-Trent City Council for eight years including as council leader, was the most amazing privilege.
"I am exceptionally proud of the many projects I initiated that are helping to play a part in transforming our brilliant city. Local government is responsible for so much that we all rely on, yet often feels unsung for both the scale and depth of services it provides and I wanted to contribute to changing public perception on this."
Chandra Kanneganti CBE said
"I'm really honoured & humbled to have been recognised in the king’s NY Honours List for services to General Practice with CBE. I'd like to say a massive thank you to all my practice staff of 3 practice’s who work alongside me & to my patients who I am privileged to look after; this honour is for you all. I am particularly grateful to brilliant community of Goldenhill & Sandyford where I started my GP partner career 18 years ago who also have trusted me and elected me as their councillor to give opportunity for me to serve them.
I have been lucky enough to serve communities in Shelton through my Five Towns GP Surgery for 10 years and currently servicing Middleport Community through Middleport Medical Centre.
Our Stoke-On- Trent is a great city with wonderful people.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the immense support and warmth this city’s residents shown me. Receiving the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) is not just a personal honor, but a shared achievement with incredible communities. Your unwavering support has been the driving force behind my work, and I am truly thankful to be a part of this vibrant and supportive city.
Thank you for your trust, encouragement, and support to provide quality healthcare. Together, we continue to make a positive impact on the well-being of all of us.
Thanks to Royal College of General Practitioners & British Medical Association GP’s Committee who has given me opportunity to support my GP colleagues at national level for many years.
Lastly, I am grateful & indebted to my family and friends for their unconditional love and support, particularly my wife who is the driving force behind everything I do."
