Two former Newcastle City Council members have been recognised for their decades of dedicated public service after being awarded the title of Honorary Alderman of the City of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Hazel Stephenson, who was first elected to Newcastle City Council in a 1999 by-election for Scotswood, later represented Benwell and Scotswood following boundary changes. In 2016, during the 800th year of Newcastle’s mayoralty, Hazel proudly followed in the footsteps of her late father, Councillor Terry Cooney, by becoming Lord Mayor of Newcastle. Public service runs deep within her family, with her mother, Isobel Cooney, also serving as a long-standing Newcastle City Councillor.
Rob Higgins was first elected to Newcastle City Council in 1995, representing Scotswood before later serving the Benwell and Scotswood ward following boundary changes. During almost three decades on the council, he served on numerous committees and played a key role in the city’s civic life. In 2024, he became Newcastle’s First Citizen when he was appointed Lord Mayor.
At last night’s meeting of Newcastle City Council, both Hazel Stephenson and Rob Higgins were awarded the honorary title of Honorary Alderman in recognition of their outstanding commitment and long service to the city and its residents.
Leader of the Newcastle Labour Group, Councillor Ged Bell, congratulated both former councillors on the honour.
“Hazel and Rob have dedicated many years of their lives to serving the people of Newcastle with commitment, integrity and pride. On behalf of the Newcastle Labour Group, I would like to thank them both for their outstanding service to our city and congratulate them on this thoroughly well-deserved honour. They have made a lasting contribution to Newcastle, and this recognition is richly deserved.”