Four former councillors made Honorary Alderman of Royal Borough of Kingston
Four former councillors were honoured for their exceptional services to residents across the borough at the meeting of Full Council on 18 October.
David Cunningham, Margaret Thompson, Malcolm Self and Dave Ryder-Mills were installed as Honorary Aldermen in a ceremony conducted by the Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston, Cllr Yogan Yoganathan.
Between them the four long-serving representatives have dedicated an impressive 70 years working for residents of Kingston - with Margaret Thompson (Chessington North and Hook Ward) and Malcolm Self (Surbiton Hill Ward) 12 years of service each, Dave Ryder-Mills (Canbury Ward and Norbiton Ward) 14 years, and David Cunningham (Tudor Ward) 32 years of service.
The four councillors have held a range of portfolios and sat on numerous committees throughout their time at Kingston Council.
David Cunningham served the borough as Mayor from 1998 to 1999. He was also Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and has served as a representative of the borough on various local government committees. Margaret Thomspon served as Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care in 2018-2022 and was the first Mayor to serve consecutive terms in 2019-2021 throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Malcolm Self served as Deputy Mayor from 2021-2022. He was also Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy, Culture and Heritage. Dave Ryder-Mills was Chair of the Kingston Town Neighbourhood Committee on two occasions and chaired the Staff Consultative Committee for seven years.
The Local Government Act 1972 gives principal councils the power to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on former members of the council who have given exceptional services.