Former Council leader made Honorary Freeman

Former Charnwood Borough Council leader made Honorary Freeman

A former leader of Charnwood Borough Council has been made Honorary Freeman.

 Max Hunt, who was leader of the council from 2003 until 2007 and a councillor for 25 years, was presented with the highest title which can be given to a person for their exceptional service to the community.

He was presented with a scroll, robe and a Freeman medallion at the council meeting on Monday, 23 March Current Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr David Northage, said: “I am really pleased that we have bestowed the title of Honorary Freeman on Max.“Max played a vital role as both a borough councillor and a Leicestershire County councillor for over fifty years, and has held high positions in both roles.“I would like to congratulate Max on this fantastic achievement.”

Mr Hunt joined the Labour Party in 1974 and the Co-operative Party soon after. He became a borough councillor following a by-election for the Southfields Ward in 1990. He went on to serve Charnwood Borough Council for 25 years.

During his time at the borough council, Mr Hunt served as the Council’s Chair of Public Works from 1995 until 1999 during which he led the team pedestrianising the Market Place and Market Street. He oversaw the installation of bus shelters throughout the town and the installation of the famous Sockman statue. 

 He was a member of the borough’s first Cabinet from 1999 until 2003 before becoming Council Leader. During this time, Soar Valley Leisure Centre was completed and the Council's recycling service was modernised, introducing wheelie bins for the first time.

 He also served as a Leicestershire County Councillor for 24 years, including two years as a member of the Leicestershire and Rutland Police Authority. 

 In 2021, whilst serving on the County Council, Mr Hunt proposed a resolution to declare a climate change emergency which was accepted unanimously. The County Council's Strategic Plan was amended accordingly and an action plan proposed.

 Mr Hunt said: “I would like to say a big thank you to councillors for making me an Honorary Freeman. It is a huge honour.

 I am incredibly grateful to all the officers and members of all political colours who have helped me along the way over the fifty years as a borough and county councillor.

“I enjoyed my time serving as a borough councillor, and I am looking forward to the experience of being an Honorary Freeman. Thank you for this opportunity.”

 Honorary Freemen wear a burgundy robe and support the Mayor on formal ceremonial occasions.

 Mr Hunt joins other Honorary Freemen of the Borough Paula Radcliffe, Mike Jones, Lez Cope-Newman and Richard Shepherd.