Plans to award former Middlesbrough mayor Dave Budd the Freedom of the Borough have sparked criticism from opposition politicians. They argue the town’s highest civic honour should be reserved for community volunteers rather than former politicians.
Andy Preston, who succeeded Mr Budd as mayor in 2019, described the decision as “morally repugnant”, claiming it amounted to “Labour championing one of their gang”. He added: “Paid politicians shouldn’t be handing out civic awards to their political allies.”
Several independent councillors also criticised the move, saying the honour should instead recognise volunteers, charity champions and community leaders who have served the borough without seeking recognition.
The award was proposed by Labour councillors Luke Henman and Lewis Young and approved at a council meeting last month. Of the 29 councillors present, 24 voted in favour and five abstained, with no votes cast against the proposal.
Cllr Mick Saunders, leader of the Middlesbrough Independent Councillors Association, said the decision risked undermining public confidence in politics, while other independent councillors argued the award should be reserved for exceptional community service rather than political figures.
In response, Cllrs Henman and Young defended the nomination, saying Mr Budd’s contribution to Middlesbrough extended well beyond his time in elected office. They highlighted his continued involvement in the community as a college governor and Rotarian and said the decision had received cross-party backing.
Mr Budd served as Middlesbrough’s Labour mayor between 2015 and 2019 after nearly three decades as a councillor. His nomination praised his “humility, decency and positivity” throughout decades of public service.
The honour was also supported by ten written representations, including Middlesbrough FC owner Steve Gibson, Middlesbrough College chief executive Zoe Lewis and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Mark White.
Freedom of the Borough is Middlesbrough’s highest civic honour and has been awarded to just 18 people since 1974. Recent recipients include artist Mackenzie Thorpe, historian Norman Moorsom and, posthumously, former England footballer Alan Peacock.
