Former Lord Mayor Yolonda Henson recommended to be Honorary Alderman

Published: 29 June 2023

Former Lord Mayor of Exeter and long-serving councillor Yolonda Henson is being recommended for the position of Honorary Alderman of the City for her outstanding service to the Council.

Members of the Council’s Executive backed a recommendation proposing that the Lord Mayor Cllr Kevin Mitchell convenes an Extraordinary meeting of the Council on 18 July, to consider granting the position.

Honorary Alderman wear a red robe and are invited to attend civic occasions in the city. They walk in civic procession in a position immediately senior to serving members, and enjoy other privileges the Council may wish confer on them.

Honorary Alderman are former councillors who served for at least 12 years and gave exceptional service during that period.

Born and raised in the city, Mrs Henson became the first city councillor to hold the office of Deputy Mayor, Mayor, Deputy Lord Mayor and Lord Mayor of Exeter.

She was first elected a councillor in 1979,  and stood down at the recent elections in May.