Former long-serving Exeter City Councillor Richard Branston has been made an Honorary Alderman. The now-retired councillor served as a ward councillor for more than 20 years, representing the people of Newtown and St Leonard’s.
Former long-serving Exeter City Councillor Richard Branston has been made an Honorary Alderman.
The now-retired councillor served as a ward councillor for more than 20 years, representing the people of Newtown and St Leonard’s.
Mr Branston was awarded the title at a ceremony held at Exeter’s historic Guildhall.
Honorary Alderman is a title conferred in recognition of eminent services rendered to Exeter City Council during the period in which former councillors served as members of the Council.
Mr Branston was nominated for the honour by Councillor Matt Vizard, who had served alongside him in Newtown. He said: “We can all agree, regardless of political allegiances, that Richard has been a fantastic servant to the public and to our city.
"His legacy in Newtown continues with the recent installation of extra lighting along the path in Belmont Park to provide safety and security, which was a long-held campaign. It was the last of very many successes on his part.
"Always putting others first and never grandstanding, Richard is a truly modest man. He is also a joy to be with – kind, decent, and great company.
"I can think of no one more deserving of the honour of Alderman than Richard Branston.”
Council Leader Phil Bialyk described the honour as richly deserved: “Richard has been a fantastic councillor for Newtown and St Leonard’s for 24 years. He’s always represented his constituents with dedication, and he’s been re-elected many times with huge majorities, which tells you something.”
Under the Local Government Act 1972, the City Council may “confer the title of Honorary Aldermen on persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Council as past members of that Council.”
To date, there have been 17 Honorary Aldermen of Exeter City Council, beginning with Richard van Oppen in 1981. The most recent before Mr Branston was Yolonda Henson, who received the honour in 2023.
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