Information on Loughborough

Freedom of the Borough of Charnwood

Posted on 30/04/2008
P. Klein

Mike Jones pictured recently at a visit to a local school in Loughborough

The most popular, well known and respected figure in civic and community life’ is set to become only the second individual to receive the Freedom of the Borough of Charnwood.

Mike Jones, who stood down at the 2007 Borough Elections after 36 years serving as Councillor for the Loughborough Hastings Ward, will follow in the footsteps of athlete Paula Radcliffe in receiving the top accolade.

It is expected that at its meeting on June 23rd, Charnwood Borough Council will agree to award Mike with the honour later this year. He is currently the Chairman of Leicestershire County Council and is married with two sons and 5 grandchildren.

He is being honoured in recognition of his eminent services to the Borough and will receive a framed, hand-printed scroll and official regalia at a special ceremony in September.

Mike said: “I feel very honoured that my name has been put forward to be a Freeman of the Borough – an award that the Council has only once given.”

The Freedom of the Borough is the highest honour the Council can bestow on any citizen and Cllr Richard Shepherd, the Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, added: “For many years, Mike Jones has made a tremendous contribution to the lives of local people.”

“He is a hugely popular and respected figure in civic life.”

“For his service to his town, his Borough and his County, he most certainly deserves the honour of being made a Freeman of the Borough.”

Mike – who was Leader of Charnwood Borough Council from 1995 to 1999 and Joint Leader between 1999 and 2003 – was elected as Mayor of the Borough in 2004-05.

He has lived in Loughborough all his life and received an Honorary Degree from Loughborough University in 2004 for Services to the Community.

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