An Extraordinary Meeting of Council is due to be in held on Thursday 26 January 2017 at 6pm to formally appoint former councillors Margaret Forbes and David Tate as Honorary Aldermen of the City.
At a meeting in September 2016, Sunderland City Council’s Cabinet backed the proposal to formally confer the title of Honorary Alderman of the City on former councillors Margaret Forbes and David Tate who had both served the city for more than 30 years.
Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council, who made the proposal, described both Mrs Forbes and Mr Tate as long-serving and well respected councillors in their wards and communities, who had given “eminent service contributing to the broader civic life of our city.”
Cllr Watson added:” Both David and Margaret have over the years earned the respect and recognition of fellow councillors from across the chamber. I am sure they will continue to be honourable representatives of our city and I wish them both great success in their new role.”
David Tate, who was a councillor and community leader for the Hetton Ward for nearly 35 years until his retirement in 2014, said: “It is a great honour to receive this appointment. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me throughout my career as a councillor and I look forward to further serve the city and its residents in my new role as Honorary Alderman.”
Margaret Forbes was first elected onto the council in 1983 to serve the St. Michael’s Ward and continued to represent the ward until her retirement in May 2016.
Mrs Forbes said: “I take great pride in receiving such wonderful recognition. During my time as a councillor it was very rare for me to agree with colleagues from across the chamber however in this case I’m in full agreement with David. I too would like to thank everyone who has supported me, challenged me and inspired me and I look forward to further serve the people of Sunderland.”