East Cambridgeshire District Council have named former Councillor, Andrew Norman Wright, as an Honorary Alderman of the Council at an Extraordinary Council meeting yesterday.

Under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Council may “confer the title of Honorary Alderman on persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered ‘eminent services’ to the council as past members of that council”.

Chairman of East Cambridgeshire District Council, Councillor Peter Cresswell, said: “I am proud that the motion has been welcomed by members. Former Councillor Wright has dedicated 39 years to this council and it was a pleasure to be able to reward his service.”

This is the first time East Cambridgeshire District Council have decided to act upon this legislation. Members of the Council also expressed their deep appreciation of the eminent services rendered by former Councillor, Andrew Wright.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Joshua Schumann and seconded by Councillor Derrick Beckett. This was supported unanimously by members of the council.

Leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, Councillor Charles Roberts, said: “After nearly four decades of service to the council, it is great to mark this outstanding achievement. During his time at East Cambs, Former Councillor Wright was dedicated to supporting the community and determined to do the right thing for his district. He was a pleasure to work alongside and I am delighted that the council have made him an Honorary Alderman.”

Former Councillor Wright was elected as the Independent member for Littleport in 1976 and served until 2015. He was Chairman of the Council from 1988-1990, Leader of the Independent Group until 2011, and served on various committees. During that time, he held the position of Chairman on eight different committees.

Following the decision at tonight’s extraordinary meeting, Former Councillor Andrew Wright, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been named East Cambs’ first Honorary Alderman. This is an honour and I would like to thank members and officers for their generosity. I thoroughly enjoyed my time as a councillor and it is a pleasure to be recognised for this fundamental time in my life.”

An Honorary Alderman would be entitled to attend and take part in such civic ceremonies as the Council may from time to time decide.