Agenda item

(a)       That the Council confers upon Lord Barry Jones, the Freedom of the County of Flintshire under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 in recognition of his 52 years public service as a parliamentarian and his ongoing service and dedication to the local communities that make up Flintshire; and

(b)       That the Council Chamber be renamed “The Lord Barry Jones Council Chamber”.

The Chief Executive introduced the report and explained that in 2020, Lord Barry Jones would have celebrated 50 years as a parliamentarian representing the people of Flintshire. The Council had previously made arrangements for the Council Chamber at County Hall to be renamed ‘The Lord Barry Jones Council Chamber’ in recognition of this feat.  Unfortunately, due to COVID and the restrictions in place at the time, the event did not take place.

It was since suggested that, in addition to the renaming of the Council

Chamber, the Freedom of the County of Flintshire should be bestowed on Lord Barry

Jones which would be a fitting tribute to his service and dedication to the local

communities that made up Flintshire.

The nomination, which had been agreed by all the Political Group Leaders of the Council, was to grant Lord Barry Jones the Freedom of the County of Flintshire, in recognition of his long and distinguished political career.  Lord Jones had been an advocate for Flintshire throughout his career and continued to work tirelessly for the people, businesses, and community groups across the county. It was the highest accolade that a County Council could bestow.

The Freedom of the County was granted under Section 249 (5) of the Local

Government Act 1972. The legislation provided that a County Council could grant the Freedom of the County to “persons of distinction” and “persons who have, in the opinion of the Authority, rendered eminent services to that place or area”.

A resolution to admit Honorary Freemen or Honorary Freewomen must be

passed at a specially convened meeting of the Council, where notice of the

object of the meeting had been given and passed by not less than two-thirds

of the Members of the Council who vote upon it.

The title of Honorary Freemen or Honorary Freewomen in Flintshire was purely honorary and did not confer any special rights or privileges.

            The Chair welcomed Lord and Lady Jones, and their distinguished guests, to the meeting.  She led the tributes to Lord Barry Jones, followed by the Chief Executive, commenting on his attendance at civic events where he had supported the Chair of the Council.  He was a local man and was best known for his passion for the area and the people who lived and worked in the area, where he was instrumental in safeguarding and promoting businesses. 

They commended the support Lady Janet had given to Lord Barry throughout his career whilst holding important roles in the community herself.  Investment in the area and business growth was testament to the early work Lord Barry Jones had undertaken supporting the development of the Deeside Industrial Park, Airbus, the related Aerospace Industries, the A55 Expressway and the Flintshire Bridge.

            The Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Roberts, led tributes from the Chamber, followed by a number of Members.  They commented on Lord Barry Jones being an exemplary example of public service and dedication who had worked tirelessly.  He fought against the closures of Courtaulds and Shotton Steel Works, followed by working tirelessly since then supporting industrial development in Flintshire.  Tributes were then paid by distinguished guests.

Councillor Roberts moved the recommendations in the report, which was seconded by Councillor Attridge.

            Personal memories were shared and Lord Barry was thanked by all for his help and support over the years, including the support for the county.

Lord Barry Jones addressed the Chamber and responded to all comments and memories that had been shared.  He thanked the Council for the honour of being granted Freedom of the County of Flintshire, and the re-naming of the Chamber to be “Lord Barry Jones Council Chamber”.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Council confers upon Lord Barry Jones, the Freedom of the County of Flintshire under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 in recognition of his 52 years public service as a parliamentarian and his ongoing service and dedication to the local communities that make up Flintshire; and

(b)       That the Council Chamber be renamed “The Lord Barry Jones Council Chamber”.