Former Prime Minister Sir John Major will be formally granted the Freedom of the District of Huntingdonshire on March 25 following unanimous support from councillors.
The honour – the highest civic recognition the council can bestow – will be presented during a ceremony at Burgess Hall in St Ives.
Huntingdonshire District Council agreed to confer the title of Honorary Freeman of the District on the Rt Hon Sir John Major in accordance with Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972.
The legislation allows councils to award honorary freedom to individuals of distinction or those who have rendered eminent services to an area.
Sir John served as MP for Huntingdon from 1979 to 2001 and as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1990 to 1997. The nomination recognises his contribution to the district through decades of public service and national leadership.
Councillors stressed that the decision was a civic recognition rather than a political one.
Executive Leader Councillor Sarah J Conboy introduced the report proposing the honour during a council meeting, inviting members to consider granting the status of Honorary Freeman of the District.
Councillor Ross Martin told the chamber the proposal recognised Sir John Major’s long-standing dedication to the district. He reflected on Sir John’s time as Prime Minister and the decisions he made for the country while remaining active in the local community.
Councillor Paul Hodgson-Jones also spoke in support of the motion, highlighting Sir John Major’s influence in the district and his belief in a traditional rural England reflected in Huntingdonshire’s communities.
He added that Sir John Major remains a vibrant member of the Huntingdonshire community and a fitting recipient of the honour.
Councillor Sam Wakeford said that while political differences might exist, the recognition focused on Sir John Major’s civic dedication to the district.
During the debate, Councillor Clare Tevlin reflected on her own experiences as a councillor and said she was not opposed to the proposal.
Council chairman Councillor Douglas Dew concluded by reflecting on his past experiences working with Sir John Major and noted the importance of his family and their continued support within the local community.
Following the discussion, councillors formally resolved to confer the Freedom of the District on Sir John Major and to arrange a ceremony and presentation to admit him as an Honorary Freeman.
The March ceremony is expected to include the presentation of a commemorative scroll and a small civic reception. The title itself is purely honorary and carries no legal rights or privileges.
