Cambridgeshire’s longest-serving councillor awarded Honorary Alderman title

A former Cambridgeshire councillor, who died at the beginning of this year, has been awarded the title of Honorary Alderman.

Cllr Mac McGuire was Cambridgeshire County Council's longest serving member and the title was presented to his wife Viv and other family members at a meeting today (Tuesday, 13 February).

“Mac was committed to his public servant role, he always put the community first and always willing to help with any issues. We miss him dearly, and he would have been so proud to receive this award today,” said Viv.

Under the Local Government Act 1972, the council can award the title of Honorary Alderman to those who have provided outstanding services as past councillors.

Cllr McGuire – or Mac as he was known to councillors, council staff and the residents he served in the Yaxley and Farcet division – was the county council’s longest serving councillor, having first been elected to the county council from 1985 to 1992, and then again continuously from 1997.

During that time, he held a range of key and senior political roles, including chair of council, deputy leader, cabinet member for highways and transport and cabinet member for community engagement. He was also a strong advocate for and supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant in Cambridgeshire. Cllr McGuire also served as a member of Huntingdonshire District Council until 2022.

Cllr Sebastian Kindersley, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council, presented the title alongside chief executive Stephen Moir and said: “Mac served this council and his community tirelessly over a very long period. This honour has quite rightly been bestowed to him as an Alderman title, he was not only a long serving councillor but an extremely dedicated and important one. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy of public service.”