A FORMER Barry Boys Comprehensive pupil, best known for being a leading Cardiff politician, has been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.

Councillor Russell Goodway, of the Colcot, Barry, is currently Cardiff Council’s cabinet member for investment and development and is an Ely ward councillor.

The Welsh Labour politician was a former Lord Mayor of Cardiff and also the former CEO of Cardiff Chamber of Commerce.

He was Britain's youngest council leader when he led South Glamorgan County Council in 1992.

Cllr Goodway, 63, a father-of-one, was born in St Athan, in the Vale and brought up in Rhoose.

He was 21 years old when he became a community councillor in Rhoose.

He was elected to South Glamorgan County Council in 1985 and he became council leader in 1992.

Under Heather Joyce' leadership of Cardiff Council he was made the cabinet member for economic development and finance in 2012.

Following the May 2017 Welsh Local Government elections, he was appointed cabinet member for investment and development.

Cllr Goodway said: “The envelope said cabinet office on the front.

“I hadn’t anticipated that at all.

“I have been a councillor for more than 40 years and thought that had all passed by.

“You have to confirm, but until you (Barry & District News) phoned me I didn’t believe it was real.

“I’m very conscious that OBE can stand for Other Blighters' Efforts, but this is really for other people.

“I’ve been surrounded by wonderful people.

“I kept it secret until I told my parents at Christmas, but it was the phone call in Barry Morrisons when I believed it was real.”