A former Sunderland council leader’s appointment to one of the city’s highest civic honours has been formally approved – despite an attempt to send the nomination back for reconsideration.

Councillors backed plans to make former Labour councillor Harry Trueman an Honorary Alderman of the City of Sunderland at a meeting on Wednesday (September 16).

The Wearside Liberal Democrats had called for the nomination to be referred back to cabinet so alternative candidates could be considered, arguing opposition groups had not been consulted over the choice.

However, the amendment was defeated and Mr Trueman’s nomination was subsequently approved by a majority vote, paving the way for a formal ceremony.

Veteran councillor Harry Trueman is set to become an Honorary Alderman of the City of Sunderland.

placeholder image — Veteran councillor Harry Trueman is set to become an Honorary Alderman of the City of Sunderland.

Mr Trueman represented Washington West for more than 30 years before retiring in May and held a string of senior positions during his time at the council, including deputy leader, council leader and Mayor.

The position of Honorary Alderman is one of the council’s highest civic honours and is awarded to former councillors who have provided “distinguished service” to the local authority and the city, allowing them to continue to play a role in civic activities.

Councillor Chris Eynon, leader of the council’s ruling Reform UK Group, speaking earlier this month, said the ex-councillor had made an “enormous contribution to public life in our city” and described him as a “real gentleman”.

He said that “whether as a ward councillor, cabinet member, deputy leader, leader of the council, armed forces champion or Mayor, Harry always demonstrated a strong commitment to the communities he represented and to improving opportunities for local residents.”

Harry Trueman, as Sunderland Mayor for 2021/22, with his wife Dorothy.

Cllr Eynon, Reform UK council leader, said Harry Trueman’s “longevity” made him a “good candidate” for the position.

Councillor Paul Donaghy, cabinet member for veterans, communities and poverty, said the nomination was a “recognition of the man, not the political party”.

He added: “Even to this day, the armed forces community speak very highly of him and that’s another reason why we have pushed for this.

“A lot of people across the city, even though Harry is no longer a councillor, speak very highly of him.

“To me, personally, he is one of the best former Labour councillors who I have ever had the pleasure to deal with […] he had time for everybody regardless of who you were, where you came from and your political affiliation.”

Mr Trueman served on a range of council committees and held several senior leadership positions, including cabinet positions. In 2011 he was appointed deputy leader of the council and later served as council leader between 2017 and 2018.

Throughout his time in office, he was a strong supporter of the armed forces community and acted as the council’s armed forces champion as part of his deputy leader responsibilities.

He was the city’s Mayor from 2021 to 2022 and later served as consort during the mayoral year of his wife Dorothy, from 2023 to 2024.

Following cabinet’s confirmation that it was making the recommendation to full council, Mr Trueman said serving the people of Sunderland had been a “privilege”.

He added the “nomination reflected 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.”