Dorset Conservative MP Christopher Chope given knighthood

Image source, PA

Image caption, Christopher Chope was a minister in Margaret Thatcher and John Major's governments

Dorset backbench MP Christopher Chope has received a knighthood for political and public service in the New Year Honours list.

The 70-year-old has been a Member of Parliament for more than 25 years and served as a minister in Margaret Thatcher and John Major's governments.

He is a longstanding Eurosceptic and was made an OBE in 1982 for services to local government.

He has been MP for Christchurch since 1997.