Margaret Hodge has received her damehood from Prince Charles.
The Barking MP received her insignia at Buckingham Palace on Friday after being awarded the honour back in August.
Dame Margaret, who has represented the consituency since 1994, said it was a “real honour” to receive the recognition.
She was accompanied by her granddaughter and her eldest sister for the occasion.
“It was truly special,” Dame Margaret said. “I have been in public life for over 20 years and never dreamed that this would happen.
“I want to thank all the people in the borough who have worked with me and supported me for all of these years.”
Dame Margaret, who was a councillor in Islington before becoming MP for Barking, has previously held the posts of Minister for Universities, Minister for Children, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism and chairman of the Public Accounts Committee. She was appointed MBE in 1978.
Other Labour politicians past and present to be recognised in the Dissolution Honours earlier this year include Tessa Jowell, Alistair Darling and former education secretary David Blunkett.
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