ONE of the most familiar faces among Swansea councillors over the past three decades has joined an elite club of Honorary Aldermen.
Former Morriston ward councillor John Davies stepped down earlier this year after 32 years representing local residents on the authority.
And now he has been invested as an Honorary Alderman at a special meeting of the Council. The award is an accolade for services to local communities and is rarely given. But now Mr Davies has joined a group of former councillors which currently numbers fewer than 15.
Mr Davies said: “It is a privilege to have served the people of Morriston for so many years and it’s them I need to thank for this award. Without their support and their interest over that period, this would not have been possible.
“I also want to thank my colleagues and friends among officers as well as councillors for their kind words and encouragement. Becoming an Honorary Alderman fills me with great pride because it’s an honour that can only be conferred by my peers. I am very grateful.”
Chair of the Council, Cllr Des Thomas, said: “I have known John Davies for many years and this honour is richly deserved. As a council colleague John was recognised as being among the hardest-working councillors. He always placed the interests of the people of Morriston and the wider Swansea community at the top of his list of priorities.”
Mr Davies was Lord Mayor of Swansea in 2000-2001 and, among other roles, served as Cabinet Member for Social Services.
The title of Honorary Alderman or Honorary Alderwoman can be conferred on former councillors as recognition for long-service after they have stepped down as ward members.
They are not paid for their role and they have no voting rights. They are often invited to attend civic ceremonies as the council may from time to time decide. They are also invited to events where their personal knowledge or interest would add value to the occasion.
This could include Lord Mayor inaugurations, the Christmas Carol service, celebratory and commemorative events and freedom ceremonies.
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