Former MP John Battle, who is an Honorary Life Fellow of Leeds Trinity, and former city councillor Richard Harker, who serves on the Board of Governors, became Honorary Aldermen of the City of Leeds at a Civic Hall ceremony in November.

Richard was a Leeds City Councillor representing the Moortown Ward from July 2001 until May 2010. A retired teacher of History, he explains that it was his subject that first brought him into contact with Leeds Trinity, through the Schools Council History Project, the Leeds History Teachers Group and other projects.

Richard is in his ninth and final year as a governor at Leeds Trinity. He said, “These nine years have been momentous – university college status, the building programme and academic changes. I have enjoyed my time as a governor and will miss being so closely tied into the life of the college.”

“The City of Leeds has been very good to me over the last forty-six years.  It has given me employment, an education and the opportunity to give back to the community through voluntary service and as a city councillor.  Being made an Honorary Alderman is a very great honour.”

John Battle, who was MP for Leeds West until the 2010 election as well as a former Leeds City Councillor, became an Honorary Life Fellow of Leeds Trinity on the occasion of the institution attaining University College status in 2009.

Alderman status was traditionally conferred on senior and long-serving members of local authorities. While it is no longer a statutory position councils can still create honorary aldermen to recognise service given by former members.

For more information contact Rachel Cockburn, Public Relations Officer on 0113 283 7273 or email r.cockburn@leedstrinity.ac.uk