Former Leader made Honorary Alderman

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Glynn Evans, proposed a motion at this week's council, to make former Leader of the Council, William Egerton JP DL, an honorary alderman.

William Egerton was first elected as Councillor to the St Luke's ward of the city in May 1970 and he was subsequently returned as councillor for the Bradford, Beswick and Clayton wards until May 1994.

In 1999 he was elected as a City Centre ward councillor, which he served until 2003, when he retired.

During his time on the Council, William served on numerous committees including Education, Finance and Policy, Land and Development. He also represented the Council to outside organisations including the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and Manchester International Airport Authority.

In 1982 he became Leader of the City Council and in 1992 he was elected as Lord Mayor of Manchester. He served as chairman of the Magistrates Bench for three years. His commitment to the fellow citizens of Manchester was recognised in his appointment as a deputy lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Glynn Evans, said: "William Egerton's commitment and faithful service have earned him the highest respect in the City Council and we think it is only fitting that we admit him to the roll of Honorary Aldermen."

A special meeting will be convened in December to adopt the resolution and to admit William Egerton in to the role of Honorary Alderman of the City.

Other Honorary Alderman include Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw, Gordon Conquest, Kenneth Franklin and John Smith. Their role is to act as a counsel to Manchester City Council and its members. Although they have no special privileges it is bestowed to very few people and carries great prestige.

Media contact:

Margaret Blackburn, tel: 0161 234 4014