A privilege to serve the people of Sunderland says former mayor Harry Trueman after Alderman nomination

Former long-serving councillor and mayor, Harry Trueman, described being nominated an Honorary Alderman of the City of Sunderland as a “great honour”.

The honorary title has been recommended to be bestowed on Harry after 31 years of dedicated service to the city.

During that time, former Labour councillor Harry has undertaken roles including portfolio holder for housing, education, and the environment. His distinguished career saw him serve as Council leader, mayor and deputy mayor.

Speaking to the Echo, Harry, 77, said: “I’m very proud to be nominated as an Alderman and it’s a great honour. All I ever wanted was to do my best for the people of my ward, Washington West, and the people of Sunderland.”

Harry played a pivotal role in bringing the Spire Bridge to Sunderland in 2018, and is “delighted” to see the opening of the new Keel Crossing and the progress seen in the city.

Harry said: “We always had our sights on building a footbridge, but at the time it wasn’t financially viable, and so I’m delighted to see it now come to fruition. The city is really on the up, and the development around Keel Square is fantastic.

“It has everything you need for a great night out and people now head into Sunderland, where as in the past they may have gone to Newcastle.

“The one thing I would like to see is more retail outlets returning to our high streets, but, since the impact of Covid, this has been an issue for many cities.”

As a keen Black Cats fan, Harry is also pleased to see the resurgence of the football club, mirroring the development taking place across the city.

Harry said: “I was there in 1973 to see us lift the cup and that legendary team were a great help in supporting us with fundraising events. It’s fantastic to see the club back in the Premier League and helping to raise the profile of the city.”

The nomination was announced during yesterday evening’s (September 9) cabinet meeting in which the City Council leader, Councillor Chris Eynon, praised Harry’s “enormous contribution to public life in our city”.

Harry said: “This is a non political honour and it’s a nice gesture that it was recommended by a council currently governed by a different party. During my time on the Labour council we nominated both Tory and Lib Dem representatives to become Alderman.

“As an Alderman, my role will be to support the mayor and deputy mayor, stepping in for functions and events where they may not be available.”

Harry served as the city's mayor from 2021 to 2022, during which he supported the Special Lionesses and Hug in a Bag charities.

He later served as consort during the mayoral year of his wife, Dorothy Trueman. Sadly, Mrs Trueman died in November 2025.

Harry said: “Serving the people of Sunderland has been a privilege, and this nomination reflects the support of colleagues, council officers, community organisations and the residents I have worked with for many years, and the memory of my dear wife Dorothy.

“I remain proud of what we achieved together.”

Harry was also an active school governor at Blackfell Primary School, Shiney Row School, Columbia Grange School and Wellbank School.

Becoming an Alderman is one of the Council’s highest civic honours.