Waltham Forest Council is set to formally recognise individuals who have provided exceptional service to the borough as honorary alderpeople. The decision was made at a Council meeting held on 11 December 2025, where councillors voted to adopt a protocol for awarding the title of Honorary Alderperson, Alderman, or Alderwoman.
The council can confer these titles to ex-members who have rendered eminent, exceptional and distinguished services
to the council, as stated in the Local Government Act 1972. The criteria for selection include a minimum of 12 years of service on the council, which does not have to be consecutive. The Honorary Alderperson Protocol - Dec 25 outlines that the titles are awarded for service exceeding the expectations and duties of councillors.
In the inaugural year of the introduction of Honorary Aldermanic, there will be a maximum of eight conferrals. Thereafter, in successive municipal years, there can be a maximum of four conferrals per year.
The council agreed to:
- Adopt the protocol outlined in Appendix 1 of the report.
- Amend the constitution to explicitly reserve decisions regarding these awards to the Full Council.
- Note the addition of the title Honorary Alderperson, aligning with the council's equality commitments.
The council also conferred a Long and Distinguished Service award to Councillor Marie Pye, who was elected in July 2005.
It was noted in the Public reports pack 11th-Dec-2025 that existing statutory powers to confer the titles of Honorary Alderman and Alderwoman be noted and the addition of a title of Honorary Alderperson be made in accordance with the council’s equality commitments.
It is important to note that the titles of Honorary Alderman, Alderwoman or Alderperson do not confer any special privileges or rights upon the appointee to speak or vote at council meetings, beyond the rights and privileges already afforded to the public. The only rights conferred are invitations to civic functions and events at the council's discretion.
