David Molyneux, a former leader of Wigan council who spent 44 years representing the same ward, is to receive the borough's highest honour. Mr Molyneux, who retired in May, will become an honorary freeman of the borough.
He was first elected to the council in 1982 for the Ince ward. Mr Molyneux joined the Labour Party aged 20 after being a member of the trade union since 16. He was born and still lives in Ince, the ward which he represented without interruption for 44 years. In April, he cited 'health and family' reasons for his decision not to contest the upcoming local elections.
Cross-party support for nomination
At a meeting of the full council his nomination received cross party support. His successor as leader of the council, Nazia Rehman, told the chamber: “It is my privilege to put forward the nomination for a very special honour to be conferred upon David.
“It is not an honour given lightly, it is reserved for those who have made a significant contribution to the lives of our residents. I believe he did exactly that. He was first elected to represent Ince in 1982. For more than four decades he dedicated his life to the people of this borough.
“He had many different roles and became leader in 2018. During his time on the council he did not just occupy a seat in the chamber he helped shape the direction of the borough.”
Recognition for changing council culture
Leader of the Reform UK group Coun Paul Watson said he backed the move in recognition of the 44 years Mr Molyneux served on the council. Independent councillor for Bryn, Steve Jones, said: “I’m going to support this. Before David became leader this place wasn’t like it is now.
“It was a place where if you were an opposition councillor officers were afraid to work with you. It was a toxic environment and David Molyneux ended that. He made it known that you treat all councillors with respect.”
Coun Molyneux, who was awarded an MBE for services to local government and the Wigan community in 2022, was elected leader of the council in May 2018 after holding the position of deputy for the previous 10 years. A special meeting of the council will be held during the 2026/27 municipal year to confer the title on Mr Molyneux.
