Professor Chris Whitty to receive knighthood in recognition of his role in fighting Covid
PROFESSOR Chris Whitty — the “trusted” face of the Government’s daily pandemic briefings — is to be made a Sir in the New Year’s honours list.
The chief medical officer became an overnight TV star, viewed by millions.
But much of the tireless work Prof Whitty, 55, put in behind the scenes went largely unnoticed.
He was quick off the mark and helped to launch the search for a vaccine long before coronavirus reached the UK.
Many have been critical of his often deadpan delivery of gloomy news, night after night.
And he was abused in a park by two yobs who filmed themselves grabbing him in a headlock.
But he managed to maintain the same calmness that he has used to guide Britain through the pandemic.
Ministers testify he regularly puts in long hours at his desk, sometimes seven days a week, to protect the nation.
A senior source said: “Chris may often put on a dour face but that is exactly what was required during the dark days of lockdown.
“Chris has been calm and unflappable throughout and is a trusted source of wisdom and knowledge. He thoroughly deserves his honour.”
Gloucester-born Prof Whitty, an expert in infectious diseases, is also a practising NHS consultant physician at University College London Hospitals and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
Most read in The Sun
He was appointed Chief Medical Officer in October 2019, just six months before coronavirus hit Britain.
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, who has become known for his no-nonsense “down-the-camera” advice at TV press conferences, is also tipped for a gong.
Sir Patrick Vallance, the chief scientific adviser, could be in line for an “upgrade”.
Public servants involved in Britain’s vaccination programme are also expected to be honoured.
And there will be honours for doctors, nurses and some of the army of volunteers who have helped roll out the jabs programme.
Meanwhile, tennis ace Emma Raducanu, 19, has been put forward for an MBE.
She is expected to become one of the youngest recipients — crowning a spectacular year in which she won the US Open and was crowned BBC Sports Personality of the Year.
The honours panel were said to be hesitant about bestowing the gong on a teenager but the Queen is believed to have given her personal seal of approval for the award.
Emma made history as the first British woman to win a Grand Slam since Virginia Wade at Wimbledon in 1977.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Her Majesty was keen to mark the Orpington schoolgirl’s “remarkable achievement” in overcoming odds of 499/1 to win.
A Whitehall source said: “It’s been a sensational year for Emma. She deserves all the acclaim.”
