The Council considered the recommendations from the Regulatory and General Purposes Committee held on 27 September 2022 (minute 7 refers) in relation to the conferment of the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor Les Rowlands, in accordance with Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.

The report informed that Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 provided that the title of Honorary Alderman or Honorary Alderwoman might be conferred by the Council on persons who were persons of distinction and/or who had, in its opinion, rendered eminent service to the place or area. The title was to be conferred by a resolution passed by not less than two thirds of the Members voting on it at a meeting of the Council specially convened for the purpose.

It was moved by Councillor Paul Stuart and seconded by Councillor Andrew Hodson that the Council be recommended to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former Councillor Les Rowlands in accordance with Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Following a speech from Councillor Andrew Hodson, recalling Les’ long service to Heswall, his mayoral year of 2015-16 and his passion for entertainment, the motion was put, and it was –

Resolved (unanimously) - That the title of Honorary Alderman be conferred on former Councillor Les Rowlands in accordance with Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.