Former Leader of Wandsworth Council receives yet more honours
Wandsworth councillors have voted unanimously to bestow the titles of Honorary Freeman of the Borough and Honorary Alderman on former council leader Sir Edward Lister.
An Honorary Freeman is the highest distinction the town hall can confer and has been awarded to just 15 individuals since the council’s inception in 1965.
The announcement comes just weeks after Sir Edward was awarded a knighthood by the Queen for services to local government.
Current council leader Ravi Govindia has paid tribute to his predecessor’s outstanding achievements at the town hall: “Sir Edward served on the council for 35 years, the last 19 of which he spent as leader. Not only was he the longest serving council leader in the country but he was by far the most successful.
“With him at the helm Wandsworth became the best run local authority in the country, evidenced by a four star Audit Commission rating for excellence, the country's lowest council tax bills and the top satisfaction ratings from local residents.
“He also leaves an exceptional legacy as an environmental, quality of life and transport campaigner who played a leading role in defeating the previous Government’s plans for a third runway at Heathrow.
“These titles represent our thanks and appreciation to Sir Edward for his outstanding and distinguished service to the people of Wandsworth.”
An award ceremony will take place on September 15th this year when Sir Edward will officially receive the titles.
The last person to be named an Honorary Freeman was Gordon Seymour Passmore in November 2007.
Sir Edward Lister left the council earlier this year to take up the post of Deputy Mayor of London.
July 16, 2011