Former Prime Minister Sir John Major has been formally admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the District of Huntingdonshire following a civic ceremony hosted by Huntingdonshire District Council on Wednesday 25 March.
The honour, the highest civic recognition the council can bestow, was presented during a special event at Burgess Hall in St Ives, attended by councillors, invited guests and dignitaries. The ceremony included the presentation of a commemorative scroll followed by a small reception.
The council previously agreed to confer the title of Honorary Freeman of the District on Sir John in accordance with Section 249(5) of the Local Government Act 1972. The legislation allows councils to grant honorary freedom to individuals of distinction or those who have rendered eminent services to a local area.
Sir John served as Member of Parliament for Huntingdon from 1979 until 2001 and as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1990 to 1997. The award recognises his decades of public service, his leadership on the national stage, and his longstanding connection with the district and its communities.
Councillors emphasised that the honour represents a civic recognition rather than a political one, acknowledging Sir John’s contribution to the district through more than two decades of parliamentary representation.
Michelle Sacks, Chief Executive of Huntingdonshire District Council said: “It is a privilege for the council to recognise Sir John’s remarkable contribution to Huntingdonshire and to the country. His long record of public service, including more than two decades representing Huntingdon in Parliament, has left a lasting legacy both locally and nationally. Granting the Freedom of the District is our way of formally acknowledging the respect and gratitude felt by many across the district for his dedication and leadership.”
The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH said: “I would like to thank the District Council for this very special honour. It is entirely unexpected … and will be much cherished.
“For me – and my family – Huntingdon has been a home and a refuge …. anything Norma and I have done for Huntingdon has been more than amply repaid by the support and friendship that has been given to us.
“I really am enormously touched by the honour you have given me here this evening – and will be forever grateful.”
The Freedom of the District is an honorary title and carries no legal rights or privileges. However, it represents one of the most significant civic tributes a council can bestow, recognising outstanding service and lasting contributions to the community.
Sir John now joins the small number of individuals who have been admitted as Honorary Freemen of Huntingdonshire.
