New Honorary Aldermen for Reading Borough Set to be Agreed Next Week

THREE former Councillors are set to be appointed as Honorary Aldermen of Reading Borough at a specially convened Council meeting on Wednesday 25 May.

An honorary Alderman is created under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 (“Honorary Titles”). They should be “persons of distinction and persons who have in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the city or borough”.  The title of Alderman is similar to the Honorary Freeman title, but relates instead to previous serving Councillors.

The three former Councillors proposed to be bestowed the title next week are:

• Tony Jones, for having rendered eminent service on Reading Borough Council as a member for the Redlands, Battle and Whitley wards, including two terms as Mayor of Reading, and having held senior political office
• Jeanette Skeats, for having rendered eminent service on Reading Borough Council as a member for the Thames ward, including a term as Mayor of Reading, and having held senior political office
• Joe Williams, for having rendered eminent service on the former Berkshire County Council as a member for the Katesgrove ward and having an exceptional record of community service and leadership

Next week’s special Council meeting was called following a motion by Reading Borough Council Leader Jason Brock, which was unanimously passed at a Council meeting in March this year. The Leader will again move a motion at the May 25 Council meeting. If the motion is carried, the Mayor will invite Tony Jones, Jeanette Skeats, Joe Williams and the Chief Executive to sign the Book of Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen. All three will be presented with an illuminated scroll and be invited to address the Council

 “It will be an absolute honour to move this motion next week for three former councillors. I was fortunate enough to work directly with two of the nominees during my time on Reading Borough Council - Tony, as a fellow Administration Councillor and Labour colleague, and Jeanette, as Leader of the Opposition. Joe Williams served on the former Berkshire County Council, but had a similar record of community leadership in Reading and he continues to be an active and dedicated citizen and champion of the community today.

 “The Alderman or Alderwoman title is not one bestowed lightly. It will be a privilege to recommend all three colleagues next week and I am sure Councillors of every political hue will wholeheartedly agree with me.”

Immediately before the Alderman Ceremony on Wednesday 25 May, 6.45pm, in Reading Town Hall, is the Council's Annual General Meeting, which begins at 6.30pm. This is where the Council’s Administration, Leader and Deputy Leader, Lead Councillors, Committees and Committee Chairs will be officially ratified for the Municipal Year ahead, as well as the Deputy Mayor. More information at https://media.reading.gov.uk/news/proposed-new-administration-announced

Full papers for the Alderman Council Meeting can be found at https://democracy.reading.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=342&MId=5001