Dozens of recently retired Brighton and Hove councillors were recognised today (Thursday 25 July) for more than 250 years of public service.
Mayor Alex Phillips proposed conferring the title of honorary alderman and alderwoman on 10 of those with the longest and most senior service.
More than a dozen others were formally thanked for their service and received a certificate from Brighton and Hove City Council.
Councillor Nancy Platts, the leader of the council, was the first to second the motion proposing the honour and thanks.
The opposition leader, Green Party convenor Councillor Phélim Mac Cafferty, said: “There are hundreds of years of service from the former councillors here with us. That is an amazing achievement.
“We place on record our thanks for their service.
“The work of councillors is often unglamorous, not showy either, but arguably never has it been more important.”
He said that there were not many formal ways of “showing our gratitude” and – unusually in the council chamber – he won cross-party applause for his tribute.
Conservative leader Councillor Steve Bell added: “All these past councillors here in the chamber, they’re all looking a lot healthier. Maybe there’s something for all of us to look forward to in the years ahead.”
The recognition came at a special meeting of the council at Hove Town Hall this afternoon.
Brighton and Hove’s new aldermen and alderwomen are
Jayne Bennett – She was elected in 1999 and served as both a Conservative and Independent councillor for Hove Park and Goldsmid wards. During her time as a councillor she chaired the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Denise Cobb – She was also first elected in 1999 and represented Westbourne ward for the Conservatives. During her time as a councillor she served as mayor and chaired the Licensing Committee.
Lynda Hyde – She was also first elected in 1999 and represented Rottingdean Coastal ward for the Conservatives. During her time as a councillor she served as mayor and chaired the Planning Committee.
Mo Marsh – She was first elected in 1995 in the old Marine ward and from 2007 in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean ward for Labour. During her time as a councillor she served as mayor and chaired the Licensing Committee.
Anne Meadows – She was first elected in 1994 in Moulsecoomb and Bevendean ward for Labour, switching earlier this year to the Conservatives. During her time as a councillor she served as mayor and chaired the Housing Committee.
Gill Mitchell – She was first elected in 1993 and represented East Brighton ward for Labour. During her time as a councillor she served as deputy leader of the council and leader of the opposition as well as chairing the Environment, Transport and Sustainability Committee.
Warren Morgan – He was first elected in 2003 and also represented East Brighton ward for Labour, switching to the Independent Group, also known as Change UK, earlier this year. During his time as a councillor he served as leader of the council for three years.
Ann Norman – She was first elected in 1995 and represented Withdean ward for the Conservatives. During her time as a councillor she served as mayor and chaired the Audit and Standards Committee.
Ken Norman – He joined his wife on the council in Withdean ward in 2002 also for the Conservatives. During his time as a councillor he served as the cabinet member for adult social care and chaired the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Geoffrey Theobald – He was first elected in 1968 and represented Patcham ward for the Conservatives. During his time as a councillor he served as cabinet member for the environment and leader of the opposition.
