Published Friday, 21st July 2023
A former Reigate councillor has been awarded with the title of Honorary Alderman by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council.
Mr Christopher Whinney was honoured at an extraordinary council meeting on Thursday 20 July for always speaking up for residents and making valuable contributions to the various committees he served on.
He was first elected as a Conservative councillor in 2002 before becoming an independent in 2008. He went on to serve the residents of Reigate for a further 14 years.
In this time, Mr Whinney served as an active member of the Employment Committee, the Licensing and Regulatory Sub-Committee, the Local Plan Scrutiny Review Panel, and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Council Leader, Cllr Richard Biggs said: “It is the opinion of Councillors that Christopher Whinney is deserving of the title of Honorary Alderman.
“Christopher has always had an excellent understanding of many of the issues faced by local councils and worked hard to ensure his residents were listened to whilst clearly appreciating the need to provide a wide range of services across the borough.”
The title of Honorary Alderman is awarded to people who have given outstanding service to the borough as past members of the Council. The title enables the Council to invite the holders to take part in and attend civic ceremonies.
Following his award, Mr Whinney will attend an installation ceremony organised by the Mayor’s office during which he will be presented with a scroll and an Alderman badge.
The Mayor of the Borough of Reigate & Banstead, Cllr Eddy Humphreys said: “Christopher dedicated many years of his life serving residents and making our borough better. I cannot think of a better way to thank him for everything he has done than making him an Honorary Alderman.”