Ten former Labour Newcastle City Council members have been recognised for their outstanding public service after being awarded the title of Honorary Alderman of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne.
The honour, conferred by Newcastle City Council, recognises former councillors who have given distinguished and long-standing service to the city and its residents.
Those honoured were Hazel Stephenson, Rob Higgins, Linda Wright, Steve Fairlie, Karen Kilgour, George Pattison, Jacqui Robinson, Joanne Kingsland, Linda Hobson and Clare Penny-Evans.
Collectively, they have given more than 200 years of service to Newcastle, representing communities across the city and holding many of its most senior civic and political roles.
Among those recognised are former Lord Mayors Hazel Stephenson, George Pattison, Linda Wright and Rob Higgins, while Jacqui Robinson served as Sheriff and Deputy Lord Mayor. Karen Kilgour made history as Newcastle’s first female Council Leader, Clare Penny-Evans went on to become Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria, Linda Hobson served as Cabinet Member for Housing, Steve Fairlie was Vice Chair of the Licensing Committee, and Joanne Kingsland held a number of roles supporting the work of the council and her community. Together, they have all made a lasting contribution to Newcastle through decades of dedicated public service.
Leader of the Newcastle Labour Group, Councillor Ged Bell, congratulated all ten recipients.
“These ten former councillors have each made an outstanding contribution to Newcastle through their dedication to public service and commitment to our communities. On behalf of the Newcastle Labour Group, I would like to thank Hazel Stephenson, Rob Higgins, Linda Wright, Steve Fairlie, Karen Kilgour, George Pattison, Jacqui Robinson, Joanne Kingsland, Linda Hobson and Clare Penny-Evans for everything they have done for our city. Congratulations to each of them on this thoroughly well-deserved honour. Their service has left a lasting legacy, and it is fitting that they have been recognised as Honorary Aldermen of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne.”