Former Councillor David Goodwin Made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough

Published on: 3 Jun, 2023
Updated on: 8 Jun, 2023

Former Guildford Borough councillor David Goodwin was appointed an Honorary Freeman on June 1, for his long-standing contributions to the borough.

It is the highest honour the council gives.

The mayor of Guildford, Masuk Miah, presented a scroll to mark the appointment of David Goodwin as an Honorary Freeman. Cllr Angela Goodwin accepted the scroll on Mr Goodwin’s behalf.

The Mayor of Guildford, Cllr Masuk Miah, presented a scroll to mark the appointment to Cllr Angela Goodwin who accepted the scroll on Mr Goodwin’s behalf.

David Goodwin was first elected to the council in 1999, representing the former Friary & St Nicolas ward for 16 years and then the Onslow ward for eight years as a Liberal Democrat.

He was the Lib Dem group leader from 2010 to 2014 where he led a robust opposition to the Conservative-led council.

Former councillor and now Honorary Freeman of the Borough, David Goodwin.

He served on various committees including the licensing committee, where he was the chairman from 2019 to 2023. He also served a year on the council’s Executive in 2019-20 as the lead councillor for waste, licensing, and parking.

He was also a member of Surrey County Council for 16 years from 2005-2021, representing the former Friary & St Nicolas and Onslow Wards.

As their county councillor, David worked with the Wodeland Action Group for 10 years.

He worked with this group to aid the safety of local people. This work encouraged Surrey County Council and the police to introduce one of the first 20mph zones in Guildford town centre.

The ceremony took place at a council meeting at the Guildhall, attended by people who showed their appreciation and respect for Mr Goodwin’s tireless service to Guildford.

The mayor said: “I extend my warmest congratulations to our newest Honorary Freeman, David.

“He has been a devoted and hardworking councillor. Our borough is grateful for his contributions and is proud to call him one of our own. We thank him for all that he has done.”

The leader of the council, Julia McShane (Lib Dem, Westborough), said: “I first met David 12 years ago. I continue to be impressed by his extensive knowledge and experience as a councillor. David has been a passionate advocate for our residents and has brought about positive change through his work.”