Anne Donaghy, aged 56, previously served as chief executive of Mid and East Antrim Council in Northern Ireland.
The honour was awarded in the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List in recognition of services to local government and the community during the coronavirus pandemic.
However, the award is now under scrutiny following Donaghy’s conviction at Ballymena Magistrates’ Court last month on two charges.
These charges related to deleting an email and arranging for an email to be deleted to prevent information from being disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act.
She received fines of £750 for each conviction.
Her legal representatives have announced she will vigorously challenge the court’s findings.
Jon Burrows, leader of the Ulster Unionist Party, has communicated with the Cabinet Office requesting that the OBE be forfeited.
According to Burrows, the distinction was granted specifically for services to local government, and since Donaghy has now been found guilty of offences connected to her role as chief executive within local government, the honour should be revoked.
A spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Council stated that the authority upholds rigorous standards of governance, transparency, and information management.
The council acknowledged the court’s verdict and indicated it would thoroughly review the outcome and any resulting consequences.
This case emerges amid a broader pattern of honours being withdrawn.
King Charles has rescinded ten honours this year alone.
Among these was a knighthood previously held by Jeffrey Donaldson, who led the Democratic Unionist Party from 2021 to 2024 and participated in a prominent Oxford Union debate in 2004.
Donaldson was sentenced in June for historical child sexual abuse offences at Newry Crown Court, leading to the removal of his honour.
His solicitor, John McBurney, has confirmed that grounds for appeal have been filed.
Liam Walker, leader of the Oxfordshire Conservatives, commented that honours exist to recognise exceptional service and achievement, and that individuals convicted of serious criminal offences have forfeited the privilege of holding such distinctions.
Walker stated that removing these honours safeguards the integrity and value of the honours system.
Grounds for withdrawing honours encompass professional censure, criminal convictions, and conduct that brings the honours system into disrepute.
Rugby player Stuart Hogg had his MBE revoked in March 2026 following a domestic abuse conviction.
Angela Middleton, a former training provider director and entrepreneur, was stripped of her MBE after an investigation into her business affairs.