Banking leader Sir Jon Cunliffe made Knight Grand Cross in King’s Birthday Honours

Sir Jon’s career spans politics, economics and diplomacy, as well as leading water sector reform as chairman of the Independent Water Commission

A leading financier who helped navigate the country through the 2008 financial crisis and is now championing a reform of the water industry, has been made a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE).

Sir Jon Cunliffe has been honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours list in recognition of his public service throughout a distinguished career spanning politics, economics and diplomacy. The honour is the highest rank in many of the Orders of the British Empire.

He features on the list in his current capacity as chairman of the Independent Water Commission, which is working to drive much-needed reform across the struggling water sector in England and Wales.

Privately-owned water companies have faced mounting criticism in recent years over pollution levels, rising bills and executive bonuses.

Sir Jon produced a review into the industry, published last year, which set out wide-ranging recommendations for overhauling water regulation and attributed blame to the Government for failing to provide sufficient direction.

Before taking up that role, Sir Jon held a central position within the UK economy as deputy governor for financial stability at the Bank of England for a decade until 2023, during which time he also served on the committee responsible for setting interest rates.

The 73 year old previously occupied senior government positions as an adviser to former prime minister Gordon Brown between 2007 and 2011. This involved close collaboration with the PM during the depths of the financial crisis, providing counsel on European and international matters and conducting discussions at G8 and G20 summits.

He has also worked at the Treasury and at the Department of Transport, and studied at the University of Manchester. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the New Year Honours 2001, and made a Knight Bachelor in the New Year Honours 2010.