Hucknall MP 'thrilled and honoured' after receiving knighthood from the Prime Minister

Mr Spencer (Con), aged 54, is currently minister for food, farming and fisheries, a post he has held since 2022.

He has served as MP for the Sherwood constituency – which includes Hucknall – since 2010.

A thrilled Mr Spencer said: “I am truly honoured to have received this very special honour, and will keep on working hard for all my constituents in Sherwood and representing the UK in my role as food, farming and fisheries minister in His Majesty’s Government.”

Mr Spencer was previously a cabinet minister during Boris Johnson’s time as Prime Minister, serving as chief whip from 2019 to 2022 and then Leader of the House of Commons and Lord President of the Council from February to September 2022 before leaving the cabinet after Liz Truss became Prime Minister.

Both times during the Conservative leadership campaigns, following the resignations of Mr Johnson and then Mrs Truss as Prime Minister, Mr Spencer backed Mr Sunak.

Honours are typically awarded at New Year and on the King's official birthday in June.

The surprise timing of these honours has prompted increased speculation that Mr Sunak is going to call the general election soon.

However, speaking to the BBC, Mr Spencer said: "To be clear, I do not know the date of the general election.

"The Prime Minister has always been clear, we'll have a general election in the second half of the year.

"That's still his plan and we've got lots to do before then."