Lifelong Liberal honoured by the City of Exeter

Liberal Cllr David Morrish recently received the highest and one of the rarest honours that a city can bestow on one of it’s residents. David was made a Freeman of the City of Exeter in recognition of his fifty years continuous service as a councillor in the city. At a special ceremony, surrounded by family and friends, he was sworn in as a Freeman of the City.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Stella Brock, presented David with a commemorative scroll and the ceremonial keys to Exeter. The Lord Mayor paid tribute to the hard work, dedication and commitment and time that he had put in to framing the way our city has and will continue to be run.

The Freedom is an honorary title which includes the right to herd sheep down the High Street or to go about the City with a drawn sword!

David said that it had been a privilege to to have served the city. He recalled that in his early days as a Councillor the city was a unitary authority and was able to be self governing. He regretted the loss of unitary status and also that the recent bid to return to a unitary status was unsuccessful. He feels sure that in time it will once again be on the agenda. He recalled his first council meeting when he had been advised not to speak and not to challenge the Mayor, he did both!

David’s advice to Liberals on councils has always been clear, know your standing orders and know them better than anyone else in the chamber. Many Liberals reading this will well remember having been given that advice and know the value of such wise words.

This honour is not only well deserved, it is a measure of David’s integrity and standing in the city that he has ended his long service to the community as a Freeman.