Meacher Freedom honour

MICHAEL MEACHER: Borough’s next Freeman?

VETERAN local MP Michael Meacher has been nominated to receive the title Honorary Freeman of the Borough.

The proposal is in recognition of his service and dedication over 43 years to the local community as MP for Oldham West and Royton, and for 29 years on Labour’s front bench.

If he is awarded the honour — the highest a council can bestow — he will become only the 23rd Freeman since 1909.

Two thirds of members of the council need to vote in favour at a meeting tonight.

Mr Meacher was elected MP for Oldham West in 1970, and continued as Oldham West and Royton MP from 1979.

He also served as a junior industry minister under prime minister Harold Wilson and as under secretary for health and social security under Jim Callaghan.

He was shadow secretary of state for several departments including social security, health and social services and employment under Neil Kinnock, and shadow secretary of state for transport under Tony Blair.

He was appointed minister of state for the environment in Tony Blair’s first government and served in this post for six years from 1997.

Retired businessman Norman Stoller OBE was the last person to receive the award, three years ago.