Former deputy prime minister, Lord Heseltine, has said it is a “great honour” to receive an academic title from the University of Northampton.
The 80-year-old Conservative politician, who lives in Thenford, near Brackley, received an Honorary Fellowship during a ceremony at Royal & Derngate this morning.
Lord Heseltine, who was a member of parliament form 1966 to 2001, was commissioned by the coalition Government last year to draw a plan to stimulate growth in local areas.
Earlier this year his report, No Stone Unturned, made 89 recommendations of which 81 were adopted by Chancellor George Osborne.
Lord Heseltine said: “It is a great honour to receive the fellowship and it reflects the interest I have taken in increasing regional growth in a wide range of areas.”
When asked about the Coalition’s performance, Lord Heseltine said they were taking the “tough decisions” which were ensuring the economy was getting back on track.
Lord Heseltine said he thought it was possible the Conservatives could win a majority in the next election.
More than 3,000 students will graduate from the University of Northampton this summer and Lord Heseltine is one of six well-known people to receive an honorary degree from the university.
War Horse author, Michael Morpurgo, who has written a book on legendary Northampton Town footballer, Walter Tull, also received an Honorary Doctorate during a ceremony this afternoon.
Mr Morpurgo said: “I feel a bit of a fraud because most people who get degrees have worked for it but I am the only one who hasn’t.
“I’m here to bang the drum for Walter Tull and it is good to be in a townwhich recognises that he is a remarkable man. There is a street named after him and a plaque in his name and it is right that he should be honoured.”