Honorary Alderman title to be reinstated

Cllr Michael Hill

The borough council is set to re-introduce an honorary title for councillors who have served more than 20 years with the authority.
The move was announced by Nene Valley member and borough council cabinet member for community engagement, Michael Hill, earlier this week.
The plans would see the restoration of the Honorary Alderman title, which was scrapped in 2008. Cllr Hill said it is part of a wider project to recognise those residents who contribute most to Northampton. Any former Borough Councillor who has served on the Council for more than 20 years will be considered as a possible candidate for becoming an Alderman.
Traditionally Aldermen take an active role in decision making, however this changed several decades ago and the title became purely honorific to celebrate the dedication of long serving councillors.
A report is expected to go before councillors in July to return to awarding the title and pave the way for experienced former councillors to be recognised for representing the people of Northampton over the years.
Cllr Hill said: "For hundreds of years Aldermen played a major part in running the town, but the aldermanic system was abolished some 30 years ago.
"Northampton has always believed that long civic service should be recognised and the re-introduction of the title of Honorary Alderman recognises both the town’s historic heritage and the commitment to the town of former councillors."