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08
Jul 2021
'Give Gareth Southgate the freedom of Harrogate borough'
Councillors have called for England football team manager Gareth Southgate to be honoured with the Freedom of the Borough of Harrogate.
Mr Southgate, who lives near Swinsty Reservoir, guided the England men's team to their first major championships final in 55 years last night.
While there is talk nationally of a knighthood, attention has turned locally to awarding him the freedom of the borough — which is the highest honour Harrogate Borough Council can bestow.
Among those to have received the accolade, which is reserved for people who the council deem to have 'rendered eminent services to the district', is Jonathan Wild, the former chief executive and chair of Bettys and Taylors.
Six councillors, including the mayor, told the Stray Ferret today they would back a motion for Mr Southgate to receive the honour.
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Conservative John Ennis, who represents Harrogate Stray, said it was a "marvellous idea", adding:
Liberal Democrat Christine Willoughby, who represents Knaresborough Eastfield, said:
'He lives in my ward'
Victoria Oldham, the Conservative councillor for Washburn, said:
Liberal Democrat councillor Trevor Chapman, who represents Harrogate Bilton Grange and is currently the district's mayor, said:
Cllr Stuart Martin, the Conservative representative for Ripon Moorside and former mayor, said:
Cllr Paul Haslam, the Conservative representative for Harrogate Old Bilton, said:
England beat Denmark 2-1 last night to achieve a place in Sunday's final of Euro 2020 against Italy.
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