A professor at the University of Southampton and award-winning political author has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours 2025.

Chair in governance Gerry Stoker has been recognised for his services to local governance and the study of democracy.

Stoker is among the 21 most cited political scientists in the world and has authored or edited more than 25 books and over 100 journal articles in a professional career that spans five decades.

In 2006, he released the award winning book called ‘Why Politics Matters’ and began working in the politics department at the University of Southampton 18 years ago.

"I am delighted to receive this honour in recognition of my work, which in turn has benefitted from the support of others over decades.

“I hope receiving this award will encourage people to also explore and use the fantastic political research being conducted by colleagues at the University of Southampton, addressing democracy and its discontents."

Professor Stoker has served as an advisor to many areas of UK government during his career, including leading a report for the Department of Communities and Local Government on the role and impact of political leadership in English local government.

He also led a project evaluating local governance for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and contributed to the Lyons Inquiry into Local Government.

His academic papers helped set the agenda for city regions as a missing level of governance in England, and for the importance of elected mayors to help increase public engagement.

His more recent work has dealt with issues around trust in politics and how to improve the practice of democracy.