Britain’s most famous psephologist, Professor John Curtice, has received a knighthood in The Queen’s 2018 New Years Honours list.
Sir John has received the prestigious honour for services to social science and politics.
The Professor said: “Just six months ago the exit poll I led surprised everyone with a shock prediction that went on to be uncannily accurate.
“Now it is my turn to be surprised – and humbled – by the gracious decision to grant me a knighthood. It is not something I ever expected to happen.”
Sir John has accurately predicted the last four general elections, including June’s surprise results, where he correctly said that the Conservatives would lose their majority.
Sir John said: “Just six months ago the exit poll I led surprised everyone with a shock prediction that went on to be uncannily accurate.
“Now it is my turn to be surprised – and humbled – by the gracious decision to grant me a knighthood. It is not something I ever expected to happen.”
“The gratifying part of the citation for me is that it is not just for services to social sciences, but to politics.
“It is probably relatively rare for someone who avoids all partisan politics and all partisan comment to actually be cited as giving services to the political life of the nation.
“What seems to be true is that, for good or ill, people find that when I stand in front of a camera and try to explain to people what’s going on politically using the academic work that I have done, people say that they find this useful, illustrating and informative.”
The election guru has grown a cult following on social media, with hundreds expressing their delight at the news.
John Curtice in 2015: Conservatives are going to win a majority.
Everyone: You’re crazy!
John Curtice in 2017: Conservatives are going to lose their majority.
Everyone: You’re nuts!
A deserved knighthood! pic.twitter.com/BOWX2MmX9P
— Alexander Hall (@AEHALL1983) December 29, 2017
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Lots of new year honours just announced: arguably the best one is PROFESSOR SIR JOHN CURTICE https://t.co/FhMZapnoFW
— Callum May (@callummay) December 29, 2017
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Arise Professor Sir John Curtice – Britain’s favourite psephologist knighted. Surely the NY honours list’s most popular award.
— Tom Newton Dunn (@tnewtondunn) December 29, 2017
