The Council of Newham met on Monday 16 October 2023 to discuss proposals for awarding honorary titles. The meeting's agenda included the conferral of an Honorary Alderman title and the Honorary Freedom of the Borough.

Honorary Alderperson and Honorary Freedom of the Borough Awards

The meeting was scheduled to consider recommendations for the highest honours the London Borough of Newham can bestow. The Civic Awards Panel had recommended that Mr Bryan Collier be made an Honorary Alderman in recognition of his distinguished service to the borough. Mr Collier served as a Newham councillor for 25 years, including a term as Civic Mayor, and has a significant record of achievement in the voluntary sector and as a school governor.

Additionally, the panel recommended that Mr David Mann, Ms Jane Williams, and Miss Laiba Sheikh be awarded the Honorary Freedom of the London Borough of Newham. Mr Mann has a long-term commitment to Newham, serving on the boards of numerous organisations and as chair of governors for educational trusts. Ms Williams established The Magpie Project, which supports vulnerable pre-school children and their mothers, and has become a national advocate for homeless families. Miss Sheikh has used her mental health experience to shape policy and programmes supporting young people, working with various organisations and speaking on panels about her experiences.

The report indicated that these awards are intended to recognise individuals who have rendered eminent services to the council or the borough, aligning with the council's corporate priorities by officially acknowledging significant contributions to the wellbeing of the borough and its residents. The conferral of these titles requires a resolution passed by not less than two-thirds of the members voting at a specially convened meeting. The estimated cost for a proposed awards event was £35,000, with provisions to be met from the Chief Executive's budget and relevant services.