The Dragon Says: Former Councillors Should Speak Up and Speak Out Too

Published on: 19 Oct, 2012
Updated on: 19 Oct, 2012

Honorary Freemen and Honorary Aldermen should be seen but not heard. That seems to be the view of many councillors at Millmead.

A few months ago all the party leaders signed a letter criticising one Honorary Alderman as ‘silly’ for daring to criticise the council. After thought, two of them withdrew their support but such a claim did seem an extraordinarily over-the-top reaction about someone simply exercising a right of free speech.

A few weeks later, in a change to normal procedure, Hon Freemen and Aldermen were no longer summoned to council meetings and their presence or apology no longer recorded in the minutes. It seems no one bothered to tell the Freemen, Aldermen or the existing councillors.

Some of Guildford’s Honorary Freemen and Honorary Aldermen, led by the Deputy Mayor, in procession earlier this month

It is true that it was not an important change: no one even noticed until recently, but it revealed a petty and vindictive streak within those who made the decision, and the botched communication appeared rude.

What caused this reaction? It would seem that there is a belief and a tradition  that past councillors, who have been recognised for their public service by being made an Hon Freeman or Alderman, should not engage, publicly at least, in local political issues.

But is that really the case? When national politicians are elevated to the House of Lords no one turns a hair if they comment on government policy or issues. It is considered to be a part of their role to make pronouncements based on their experience and wisdom.

So why shouldn’t we hear what our former councillors have to say? They have years of experience to draw on and their commitment to our town cannot be doubted.

They don’t pretend to be speaking from a party political standpoint. Indeed, they attract criticism from their former  colleagues in their parties. Some say that the public might not understand their Honorary status i.e. that they are no longer active councillors.

But is that true and, if so, so what? Most of the population don’t even vote in local elections and many of those who do could not name their ward councillors. If a few comments from former councillors attract extra interest in local issues so much the better.

There is nothing in any rule or regulation to prevent them speaking as they wish. They have the same right to free speech as the rest of us and it might be more important for them to exercise it than most.

So the Guildford Dragon NEWS says the council need to be less sensitive to criticism. They should understand that it comes with the turf when you obtain political power. It is actually a sign of health and rigour in our local democracy.

Everyone, Honorary Freemen, Honorary Aldermen, Councillors and electors, should speak up and speak out. Everyone’s view is important and should be heard, especially perhaps those whose dedication to public service has been recognised.

The honorary types do add colour to our processions and ceremonies. They form part of our important traditions that have their roots in citizens showing the control they had over their own town.

But these honoured men and women  should not be treated as some kind of decorative walking manikins. They still have brains. Let us hear what they have to say and let there presence be noted at council meetings too. It is a tiny enough privilege. What harm can it do?

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