Road littered City Council’s first female

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COVENTRY City Council’s first ever female leader has been made an Honorary Alderwoman after 26 years of service.

Ann Lucas, who was leader between 2013 and 2016, accepted the role at a ceremony in Coventry Cathedral.

The former Labour councillor for Bablake and Holbrook wards was made an OBE in 2014 for her work tackling domestic abuse locally and nationally, as well as her services to the council.

Ann decided not to run for another term this year and was succeeded by Coventry’s first ever Green councillor Stephen Gray.

When the award was announced, Ann - who had already given a speech as a departing Lord Mayor for 2020-21 said she was “very honoured” to accept the role.

“You haven’t seen the last of me,” she added wrly.

Former councillor David Skinner also had the title of Honorary Alderman conferred on him at the meeting at the city’s iconic cathedral. David, a fatherof-five and former Foreign Service officer, was made an MBE in 2021 for his long-term service to the Coventry community.

A former Conservative councillor, he represented Westwood ward for 16 years before declining to run this year, and was succeeded by Labour’s candidate Abdul Jobbar. I

n an emotional speech where he admitted he was “trying not to burst into tears,” David said he was “deeply honoured” and “very grateful” to recieve the title.

Councils in England can vote to give the title of Honorary Aldermen or Alderwomen to previous councillors. Members nominated will be ones who have gone above and beyond in their role - or “rendered eminent services to the council” in the words of the 1972 Local Government Act.

The 1972 Act also states that holders of these ceremonial roles can’t be paid or attend council or committee meetings.

But Honorary Aldermen and women do have certain privileges which the public don’t.

They have the right to get a copy of each council summons and come to events which councillors are invited to, for example.

Holders of the title are also allowed to walk immediately behind council members in processions. Other perks are more ceremonial - they get a special badge to wear, a framed certificate and the right to be addressed by the title. And they will have their name entered into the authority’s Roll of Honorary Aldermen/alderwomen.