Ipswich council sets formal process for award nomination

Honorary Freeman is the highest honour that any council in the UK can bestow on an eminent individual or group, and unlike a hereditary freeman, its status cannot be passed on. 

The last person to be awarded this title was the chairman of Ipswich Society, John Norman, in 2023 - and before him, Ipswich Town legend Sir Bobby Robson was awarded the title back in April 2008.  

Hence, Ipswich Borough Council believes that its current process is informal and involves consultation between the chief executive and leaders of the political groups on the council.

John Norman was the last person to be awarded the title of Honorary Freeman.  (Image: Joao Santos) Hence, next Wednesday during a full council meeting portfolio holder for finance and resources councillor Martin Cook is bringing a motion to establish clear criteria, process for consideration, and ways to nominate someone as an Honorary Freeman.  

Under the new process nominations for Honorary Freeman should be made when the person has made exceptional contributions to the town and is widely respected by those in charge. 

Serving councillors cannot be considered for nominations, but they are the only ones who can submit a nomination for others. 

Once a councillor has nominated someone, their proposal should be supported by nine other councillors from at least half of the number of parties on the council. 

Former Ipswich Town manager Sir Bobby Robson

After this, the chief executive of the borough council will then seek views from the political group leaders, and if there is strong support from across the political spectrum the nomination will progress.

The council believes it is unfair to raise anyone's expectations, hence the nominee must not be informed that they have been nominated, and the matter should also not be discussed with any other persons or individuals concerned.