Honorary Aldermen of the City of Leicester

What is an Honorary Alderman?

The term ‘Alderman’ originates in England. The title is derived from the Old English title of ealdorman, literally meaning "elder man" or "elder person. An alderman was a member of a municipal assembly or council in many jurisdictions.

In the Thirteenth Century, the Head of Leicester’s Corporation was known as the Alderman which later became known as the Mayor.  However, the term ‘Alderman’ was not lost and instead passed to multiple persons who were essentially the closest supporters of the Mayor. Throughout the changing corporations in Leicester’s history, The Aldermen maintained their position of being the more experienced persons within a Council. The office of the Alderman has greatly contributed to Leicester as we know it today.

The importance of the historical role of the ‘Alderman’ is signified by a statue on Leicester’s Clock Tower of Alderman Gabriel Newton. Newton became an Alderman in 1726, and was the founder of the Green Coat School in Leicester.

With the passing of the Local Government Reform Act 1836, the Alderman role changed to being elected by the Council.  Up until 1974 the free elections held to elect Councillors did not apply to Aldermen who could vote on Council items and who could remain on the Council almost indefinitely.

The Alderman’s political role in the City of Leicester was abolished in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972 to be replaced by one of an Honorary nature only with civic responsibilities.

Under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the City Council may ‘confer the title of Honorary Alderman on persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Council as past Members of that Council but who are not then Councillors of the Council’.

Becoming an Honorary Alderman

The position of Honorary Alderman is non-political.

In Leicester, the position of Honorary Alderman is bestowed in recognition of excellent service for individuals who have reached the end of their political years.

Such appointments can only be conferred on past Members and it is recommended that political Group Leaders give consideration of possible nominees every four years, immediately after the City Council elections. The nominations are then discussed at a pre-meeting before the ordinary Council Meeting in June of that year.

The criteria stands that no less than two thirds of the Members of the Council must agree for an individual be approved for the position of Honorary Alderman. Additionally, the title can only be conferred upon past Members of the Council who are not Councillors at the date of that meeting. 

Conferment is given on a stringently limited basis (usually taking into account length of service and other criteria). At the conferment ceremony, the newly appointed Honorary Alderman is usually presented with a certificate and badge of office (below).     

Current Honorary Aldermen of the City of Leicester: 

• Terence Howatt

• Anne Bunce

• Ned Newitt

• Winston Nurse

• Anthony O'Brien

• Brian Roberts

• Malik Salim

• Roman Scuplak

                               

An Honorary Alderman may attend and take part in civic ceremonies as the Council may from time to time decide, but shall not, as such, have the right to influence meetings of the Council or a committee of the Council or to receive any allowance or other payment under the Members’ Allowances Scheme.

Civic Events Attended by Honorary Aldermen

Honorary Aldermen are invited to civic events and other events where the Honorary Aldermen’s personal knowledge and interests would add value to the occasion. Examples of these are:

Mayormaking

Civic Service

Christmas Carol Service

Christmas Concert

Armed Forces Day

Celebratory & Commemorative Events

Regimental Events

Regimental Parades

Remembrance Day Service & Parade

Royal Visits

Lord Mayor’s Appeal Events

Conducting Citizenship Ceremonies

Civic Themed Dinners/Receptions

Faith Events

Freedom Ceremonies

Honoured Citizen of the Year Events

Twinning Events