A Norfolk MP who has been knighted in the Queen's birthday honours list has said he is 'thrilled and honoured' with the news of his recognition.
North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb also said it seemed "a bit bizarre" to have been made a Knights Bachelor in the honours list, announced on Friday, June 7, and added: "I couldn't quite believe it."
Sir Norman, who received his knighthood for public and political service, has been the Liberal Democrat member of parliament for his coastal constituency since 2001.
Over his 18 year political career, he has served in parliamentary roles including party health spokesperson, health minister under the coalition government, and shadow health secretary.
The MP said: "I'm obviously thrilled and very honoured.
"I couldn't quite believe it. It seems a bit bizarre and it's been quite difficult having to maintain confidentiality about it.
The MP said he had had to keep the news quiet for "about four or five weeks".
He added: "It was only myself and [my wife] Mary who knew.
"A letter arrived one Thursday after I got back from Parliament.
"I had to be very discreet about it and not say anything.
"But it's obviously a huge honour and exciting.
"I'm actually aware there are an awful lot of people who do amazing work and don't get any recognition or honour.
"I continue to admire them immensely, but when it happens to you, obviously it's special."
Sir Norman added that the citation he was sent "particularly mentioned mental health work"; a cause he said he was "passionate" about, and one had affected his own family.
"These are the things that really motivate me, and I continue, after 18 years of being elected, to fight for these causes," he said.
The MP said he hoped to be joined at the ceremony at Buckingham Palace later this year by his wife, and added: "My two sons are very thrilled and excited.
"They both said 'that's hilarious'.
"That was their reaction when I told them last night."
And Sir Norman added that, as his spouse, his wife would also now be entitled to use the title Lady, making her Lady Lamb.
Sir Norman is currently chair of the science and technology select committee, and has spoken in Parliament in favour of the legalisation of cannabis.
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