Kirklees’ new Baroness has had her title confirmed by the Queen.

And Clr Kath Pinnock is delighted her hometown features in her new title.

Clr Pinnock is now officially Baroness Pinnock of Cleckheaton after being made a life peer for the Liberal Democrats in the House of Lords.

Today, Clr Pinnock received confirmation of her title, and said: “I am delighted that the College of Arms and the Queen have allowed me to use Cleckheaton in my title.

“Cleckheaton is my home and where I started my journey as a Liberal Democrat campaigner. So, of course, I wanted to be Baroness Pinnock of Cleckheaton.

“It was very important for me to have it, I’ve represented Cleckheaton for 20-odd years and it’s the place I love and call home.

“I am hoping I will be able to use my experiences here to help the rest of the country, especially those in London, understand what a great place it is to live but also to highlight the needs of Yorkshire.”

The House of Lords is not due to sit until October and she will face an introduction and then attend when the Lords sit, usually Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Clr Pinnock added: “I want to ask as many questions as possible that are important to Yorkshire.

“I think at the start it’s important to learn as much about how the system works and how I can best use what influence I may have to make a difference.”

She will remain a Cleckheaton ward councillor on Kirklees Council, saying it will keep her grounded.

“Certainly if I’m asking questions about local government finance it will help to still be part of local government.

“And I don’t see that it will take away from my Kirklees role, from what I understand of the House of Lords it’s not a full time job.

“I think I’ll be able to do more ward work now than I could when I was council leader, and I have experience of carrying two roles.”

She has the support of ward colleagues Andrew Pinnock (her husband) and John Lawson.