KEITH Mitchell, the leader of Oxfordshire County Council, will celebrate his CBE by joining other councillors for a glass of champagne in Oxford.

More than 70 county councillors are expected to raise a toast to Mr Mitchell at lunchtime during the county council meeting at County Hall on Tuesday.

The 60-year-old is awarded the CBE today for services to local government.

He will dine out tonight in Oxford with partner Lynda Thirzie Smart and is seeking an alternative venue because the Malmaison Hotel is not yet open following last week's fire.

Renowned for devoting 100 hours a week to his public duties, the former chartered accountant pledged to lead the Tories into the local elections in two years' time.

He added: "We will all have a modest glass of champagne at lunchtime on Tuesday,but don't worry, it won't be on the taxpayer.

"I won't be leading the council for ever but I still have lots of energy and enthusiasm for this job."

The flamboyant council leader, who drives a BMW Z3 with a personalised number plate, became leader of the council in 2001, and led a coalition with the Liberal Democrats for four years until the Tories gained control. He gave up his business interests in 1990.

Mr Mitchell added: "I view this award as an honourable recognition in which everyone at the council has a share.

"The council's Audit Commission ranking has moved from fair to excellent in the space of five years.

"A tremendous amount of hard work has gone into that and all of our employees should be immensely proud.

"I usually get home late, and when I saw the envelope was from 10 Downing Street I believed it would be politically related. I was stunned and delighted when I opened it and saw the contents."

Mr Mitchell was elected to Adderbury Parish Council in 1988, on which he has served ever since.

In 1989, he was elected to Oxfordshire County Council and later to Cherwell District Council.

In 2005, the council leader became chairman of the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA), a position he still holds.