Zahawi and Shafik (pictured) were awarded the fellowship as part of the MRS’s 75th anniversary celebrations, and all four recipients have been chosen for their work demonstrating the importance of evidence and insight in society.

Zahawi was awarded the fellowship for contributing to the UK’s market research industry, including as co-founder of YouGov in 2000 and chief executive between 2005 and 2010. He was elected as Conservative MP for Stratford-on-Avon in 2010.

Shafik’s other roles have included working in the research department of the World Bank, deputy governor of the Bank of England and deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund. He award reflects the historical ties between the MRS and LSE.

The MRS has also awarded an honorary fellowship to Seema Malhotra, Labour MP for Feltham and Heston, who worked on evidenced policy development while working for professional service firm PwC prior to her parliamentary career.

In addition, Malhotra has been a long-standing supporter of the MRS’s diversity and inclusion programme and is the founder of the Fabian Women’s Network, which promotes women’s voices in politics.

Sir John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde and a senior research fellow at the National Centre for Social Research, has also been awarded a fellowship for his work as president of the British Polling Council.

Jane Frost, chief executive of MRS, said: “Each of these honorary fellows has a long track-record of championing evidence throughout an impressive career.

“It feels pertinent that they are receiving the honorary fellowship at this moment, with the role of research in shaping public policy and economic strategy more important than it ever has been.”