DPA/London

Top hairdresser Lino Carbosiero was yesterday forced to defend himself from accusations that he received a New Year’s honour from the Queen because he is stylist to Prime Minister David Cameron.

“I hope it’s to do with my campaigning with The Hairdressing Council, trying to push regulations throughout the industry where anyone can become a hairdresser,” he said, adding that he had to have been nominated from within his industry to receive an award.

Newspapers accused the prime minister of cronyism last week when it was revealed that a number of business people with links to his Conservative party had received honours.

Carbosiero, who has also reportedly styled hair for Kylie Minogue, Paul McCartney and Madonna, was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for services to hairdressing.

He said his award reflected the growing importance of hairdressers.

“In the last sort of 10 years more and more hairdressers are receiving the award, there’s three this year, he said. “I’m not the only hairdresser to get one. Obviously people are realising the importance of hairdressers within the community.”

The hairdresser, who works at the expensive Daniel Galvin salon in central London, sparked a debate in 2007, when he moved Cameron’s parting from the right to the left. Some columnists suggested Cameron may be trying to hide a receding hairline, while others claimed it reflected the direction in which he was moving his party.

“To be honest my clients would laugh because they actually know I never remember where the parting is,” said Carbosiero, when asked about the change. “I go with how I feel it goes, sometimes I completely forget where it’s supposed to be.”