Honorary Titles Awarded in Recognition of Service
In a ceremony steeped in tradition and local civic pride, Leeds recently honoured eight of its former councillors for their distinguished service to the city. A special session of the full council was convened to bestow upon each of them the title of Honorary Alderman or Alderwoman. This accolade, one of the most significant a city can offer, is a testament to their collective commitment, marked by 170 years of combined public service.
The group, which includes former officeholders such as a past Lord Mayor and a Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds, gathered at the Leeds Civic Hall for the ceremony. The title does not come with legislative power but stands as a symbol of high esteem. It serves to recognize the exceptional contribution these individuals have made to both the council and the citizens of Leeds.
Notably, Judith Mara Chapman, who served as the Lord Mayor of Leeds from 2015 to 2016, and Patrick Davey, who held the post of Deputy Lord Mayor from 2010 to 2011, were among the honourees. Their noble efforts have left an indelible mark on the city’s legacy.
The Role and Significance of Honorary Aldermen/Alderwomen
The position of an Honorary Alderman or Alderwoman is ceremonial yet highly regarded. Recipients of this honour are past council members whom the council deems to have delivered eminent public service to the city of Leeds. While it offers no special privileges in the council’s decision-making processes, it allows for continued involvement in the city’s official functions.
These roles enable the honourees to attend ceremonial events, where they may be invited, and actively support the Lord Mayor’s charity initiatives. Thus, the titles serve not just as symbolic accolades but as a means to continue their engagement with the city’s civic and social life.
A Ceremony of Honour and Commitment
The ceremony was a significant event, with the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Al Garthwaite, officiating proceedings. In a statement, Councillor Garthwaite expressed her honour in welcoming back the dedicated individuals to the Civic Hall. She noted, “It’s an honour for me to welcome back to the Civic Hall and honour a group of people who over a combined 170 years, have worked tirelessly for Leeds.”
The Lord Mayor further highlighted the ceremonial nature of the new positions and the continued support she anticipates from the honourees. “While their new roles are ceremonial, I am sure they will continue to support the city at every available opportunity, and I look forward to working closely with them as they continue to support the civic and charitable work of the Lord Mayor,” she added.
The full list of newly appointed Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen is as follows:
- Judith Mara Chapman
- Title Bestowed: Alderwoman
- Political Group: Liberal Democrat Group
- Dawn Julia Collins
- Title Bestowed: Alderwoman
- Political Group: Conservative Group
- Patrick Davey
- Title Bestowed: Alderman
- Political Group: Labour Group
- Peter Mervyn Harrand
- Title Bestowed: Alderman
- Political Group: Conservative Group
- John Illingworth
- Title Bestowed: Alderman
- Political Group: Labour Group
- Kamila Maqsood
- Title Bestowed: Alderwoman
- Political Group: Labour Group
- Paul Anthony Truswell
- Title Bestowed: Alderman
- Political Group: Labour Group
- Paul John Spencer Wadsworth
- Title Bestowed: Alderman
- Political Group: Conservative Group
Each name on this list represents a legacy of dedication and a promise for continuous support to Leeds’s civic engagements. In celebrating their past accomplishments, the city also looks forward to their unwavering support for the communal and philanthropic work under the auspices of the Lord Mayor.