Agenda, decisions and minutes

RESOLVED that Honorary Freedoms of the Borough be granted to Sir Steve

Bullock DL and Kris Hibbert.

The proposal to award two new Honorary Freedoms, to Sir Steve Bullock DL

and Kris Hibbert was proposed by the Mayor who recounted their significant

contributions to public life in the borough and urged the Council to support

their nominations.

The Mayor indicated there would be a joint ceremony for the two recipients

in November 2019, at which time there would be the opportunity for members

to offer individual tributes.

The recommendations were seconded by the Deputy Mayor, who

acknowledged the contributions of both recipients

The Chair then put the recommendations to the vote and these were

confirmed to be carried unanimously by 34 votes to nil.

RESOLVED that

1) Pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, Sir Steve Bullock DL be awarded the freedom of the London Borough of Lewisham.

It is recommended that Sir Steve Bullock DL be awarded the freedom of the

London Borough of Lewisham in recognition of his service to the Borough and

its citizens over many years.

Sir Steve was the first directly elected Mayor of Lewisham, serving for 16

years from 2002-2018. Prior to that he was elected as a councillor from 1982,

where he served as Chair of Finance, Chair of Leisure and Deputy Leader of

the Council, before serving as Leader of the Council from 1988-93.

Whilst he was Mayor, Sir Steve created the Young Mayor’s Programme,

which has been emulated throughout England and across Europe; led the

council’s response to save Lewisham A&E; and he ensured that every single

secondary school in Lewisham was rebuilt. He has brought changes to

Lewisham that will endure for many decades to come and his service to the

borough perfectly illustrates the Council's motto Salus Populi Suprema Lex;

the welfare of the people above everything else .

Sir Steve was knighted in 2007 for services to local government and was

commissioned to be a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London in 2018. Sir

Steve’s unique contribution to the borough and to local government in general

over the past decades mean that he is an appropriate recipient of the highest

award the borough can make.

(2) Pursuant to Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972, Kris Hibbert

be awarded the freedom of the London Borough of Lewisham in recognition of

her service to the Borough and its citizens over many years.

Kris served as a councillor for eight years, from 1982-90. She was a pioneer,

helping set up the first local government committee on women’s issues

anywhere in Britain, the Women’s Committee, which she served on from

1983-89. She also served on many of the Council’s other major committees

including Police; Leisure; and Employment and Industry, which she chaired

from 1986-88.

Kris also led the fundraising work for the Lavender Trust charity. Her drive,

determination and energy has led to Lewisham raising £225,000 to support

younger women with breast cancer. 

Kris has also made an outstanding contribution to improving the life chances

of many of Lewisham’s young people. She has  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20.