Former Brighton and Hove councillors honoured

Ten former councillors have been made aldermen and alderwomen by Brighton and Hove City Council.

They were given the honorary title at a special meeting of the council at Hove Town Hall on Thursday (July 25).

The title confers no rights and attracts no pay but recognises eminent or exceptional service.

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It can be given to councillors who have served for at least 15 years – or 12 years for those who have held a notable position such as chairing an executive committee.

Mayor Alex Phillips nominated the 10 councillors who completed their service at the local elections in May.

Her nominations were seconded by the three party leaders.

The Green group 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.

“The work of councillors is often unglamorous, not showy either, but never has it been more important.”

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Conservative group leader Councillor Steve Bell singled out former councillor and mayor Geoffrey Theobald for his 51 years of service.

Mr Theobald could not attend the meeting but his wife Councillor Carol Theobald collected his certificate on his behalf.

Councillor Bell said: “All these past councillors here in the chamber, they are looking a lot healthier.

“This maybe something for all of us to look forward to in the years ahead.”

Brighton and Hove’s new aldermen and alderwomen are

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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.

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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.

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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.

Sarah Booker-Lewis , Local Democracy Reporting Service