Newham Council has voted to honour the late Councillor Neil Wilson and local conservationist Leonard Pringle with civic awards, recognising their outstanding contributions to the borough.
The decision was made at an extraordinary council meeting on Monday, December 8th, 2025. Such meetings are specifically convened to agree on Honorary Alderperson and Freeperson nominations, which require a two-thirds majority vote from the council, as detailed in the Supplementary Agenda Pack 1. Members unanimously approved the recommendations of the Civic Awards Panel. Councillor Wilson will be posthumously awarded the status of Honorary Alderperson, while Mr. Pringle will receive the Honorary Freedom of the Borough.
According to the Report to 8 Dec 2025 Council - Alderperson and Freedom of the Borough, these awards are the highest honours Newham can bestow, celebrating the service and contributions of former councillors and distinguished individuals. The Honorary Freedom of the Borough carries no privilege and is purely an honour reflecting the eminence of the person on whom it is conferred or a recognition of significant and valuable services rendered to the borough by that person.
The Civic Awards Panel includes Mayor Fiaz, Councillor Dr Rohit Kumar Dasgupta (Chair of Council), Councillor Imam Haque (Vice Chair of Council), and youth representatives from the Council's Youth Empowerment Service, who were an invaluable part of decision making, according to the Supplementary Agenda Pack 1.
Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz OBE expressed her pleasure in presenting the report, commending the diligence of the young people involved in the shortlisting process. She highlighted Councillor Wilson's dedication to the borough's residents and social justice, particularly during his time as lead member for Health and Adults Social Care. The Supplementary Agenda Pack 1 notes that Councillor Wilson's final cabinet role was lead member for Health and Adults Social Care, which he fulfilled alongside his position as the Council's Mental Health Champion and Vice-Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, demonstrating dedication, passion and a commitment to social justice. We think and believe that it is entirely fitting that he is remembered and honoured in the way that we're intending in this report,
she said.
Regarding Leonard Pringle, Mayor Fiaz described him as an absolute stalwart in his love and commitment to our borough and our neighbourhoods,
noting his passion for heritage and green spaces. She added that Mr. Pringle would be beyond delighted
to be recognised for his commitment to Newham.
Councillor Neil Wilson, who passed away in July 2025, served as a councillor for many years, representing Hudson Ward and Plaistow South Ward. He also served as a school governor for almost 40 years. His final role was lead member for Health and Adults Social Care, Council's Mental Health Champion and Vice-Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board.
Leonard Pringle, a Forest Gate resident, co-founded the Newham Conservation Volunteers charity in 1994 and has dedicated over 30 years to the borough's ecological health. His work includes planting over 550 trees, supporting food-growing spaces, improving air quality, bridge construction in local parks, and establishing the Dorset Road Community Garden, according to the Report to 8 Dec 2025 Council - Alderperson and Freedom of the Borough.
The Supplementary Agenda Pack 1 details the criteria used by the Civic Awards Panel to determine who is deserving of these awards:
For Honorary Alderperson, candidates should have rendered eminent services by way of an exceptional contribution to the borough and the council through their achievements whilst in office. This could be demonstrated by service as a Mayor, Civic Ambassador, a political Group Leader, a Cabinet Member, a Chair of a Committee or as a long-serving ward Councillor or through the exercise of their influence in achieving major change which resulted in a significant improvement in the social and economic well-being of the borough.
For Honorary Freedom of the Borough, candidates could be people who have given years of service to the borough through their work supporting the community, business and local economy, environment or charity work; people who have influenced and achieved major change, which resulted in a significant improvement in the social and economic wellbeing of the borough; people who have made a significant contribution to the borough through their employment in public services or their appointment to a public office; a resident or person brought up in Newham who has made a significant contribution nationally to arts and culture, sport, the charity and voluntary sector, youth work, supporting vulnerable or older people, tackling social injustice, addressing environmental concerns, civic service or service in the uniformed services; people who have served as a councillor in Newham, who, apart from their length of service, would meet the criteria for appointment as an Honorary Alderperson; or a leading international figure who, through their actions, can be seen as improving the wellbeing of a community of which a significant number of members of that community live in Newham.
During the meeting, councillors were asked to declare any interests, as outlined in the MembersDPIAgendaGuidance2022updateforCouncil guidance. Several councillors, including Mayor Fiaz and Councillor Danny Keeling (Deputy Leader of the Green Group and Green Group Business Manager), declared their participation in the judging panel for the civic awards.
The awards ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, at the Old Town Hall in Stratford.
