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A Tory donor who ploughed nearly a million pounds into the party war chest receives a knighthood tonight.

Businessman David Ord is knighted for “political service and service to the community in the South West”.

He is one of 10 Tory politicians or activists honoured for "political service" in the New Year's Honours - compared to two Lib Dems and two for Labour.

A spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn hit out at what the Labour leader's office described as crony appointments.

The spokesman said: "The Conservatives are making a mockery of our honours system.

“Every crony appointment is an insult to the incredible people right across Britain who are rewarded for the great contributions they make to our national life.”

Sir David has pumped £932,183 into Conservative coffers via his company since 2005, including more than £6,000 of non-cash gifts.

Scroll down for the full list of those honoured for 'political service'.

(Image: Getty)

He was appointed the Tory treasurer in the South West in 1999 and sits on the Conservative Foundation’s Board.

Sir David is also a director of Open Europe, a think tank promoting ideas for economic and political reform of the European Union.

He triggered a row in 2014 over donations he made to the Bristol North West Conservative Association.

Charlotte Leslie, who became the local MP, later asked Commons questions over the planned Severn Barrage project.

One of the main opponents to the scheme has been Bristol Port, which Sir David jointly owns.

Ms Leslie apologised after failing to declare the donations before raising the controversial tidal power scheme in the House.

(Image: PA)

Meanwhile, Tory associate treasurer Dominic Johnson, who lent David Cameron his house after the former Prime Minister left Downing Street in July, is handed a CBE for “political service”.

A host of senior politicians get gongs including knighthoods for Tory MP Julian Brazier, former Lib Dem Pensions Minister Steve Webb and Labour backbencher David Crausby, who was first elected in 1997.

Labour’s ex-Solicitor General Vera Baird, the police and crime commissioner for Northumbria, becomes a Dame.

And ex-Lib Dem Education Secretary Baroness Shirley Williams becomes a Companion of Honour.

Party leader Tim Farron said: “Shirley is a liberal lion. She is a hero of mine and many, many others.

“She is a tireless and doughty campaigner for progressive politics. Britain is a better place because of her.

(Image: Getty)

“Her determination created the enlightened comprehensive education system we have today.

“Shirley is also an inspiration for female politicians across the world. She is a trailblazer who has shown girls, like my own, that they can do anything they want to with skill, determination and passion.

“Shirley Williams gives politics a good name.”

A host of top Whitehall civil servants scoop gongs, including a knighthood for Department for International Development permanent secretary Mark Lowcock.

Treasury director Mike Williams becomes a Companion of the Order of the Bath “for services to global tax policy and taxpayers”.

There are seven awards for Department of Work and Pensions officials, including CBEs for Angela MacDonald, the ministry’s director of operational excellence, and pensions director Graeme Wallace - for "services to welfare reform".

Twelve Home Office staff were handed gongs, triggering cronyism claims because Theresa May was Home Secretary for six years.

All 14 people honoured for 'political service'

LIB DEMS

Companion of Honour: The Right Honourable Baroness Shirley Vivian Teresa Brittain WILLIAMS For services to political and public life

Knighthood: The Right Honourable Steven John WEBB For political and public service.

LABOUR

Knighthood: David Anthony CRAUSBY, MP Member of Parliament for Bolton North East. For parliamentary and political services.

CBE: Ms Neena GILL Member of the European Parliament for the West Midlands. For parliamentary and political service.

TORIES

Knighthood: Julian William Hendy BRAZIER, TD MP Member of Parliament for Canterbury. For political and public service.

Knighthood: David Charles ORD For political service and service to the community in the South West.

CBE: Dominic JOHNSON Associate Treasurer, Conservative Party. For political service.

OBE: Darren James MOTT Director of Campaigning, Conservative Campaign Headquarters. For political service.

MBE: Alexandra Kathleen, Mrs BROADRICK Lately Chief of Staff to the Conservative Party Chairman. For political service.

MBE: Louise, Mrs GOODALL Deputy Head of Fundraising, Conservative Campaign Headquarters. For political service.

MBE: Ms Nicola Lucienne MOLNAR Lately Chairman, Conservative Women's Organisation. For political service.

MBE: Deborah Jane, Mrs TOON Regional Chairman, Yorkshire and the Humber Conservatives. For political service.

British Empire Medal: Dr Jason ALDISS. For political service.

British Empire Medal: Michael Anthony CLARKE. For political service.