Proposals to change nomination process for Freedom of Derby

Sandy Ryan receiving the Freedom of the City honour in March

A council is seeking to change the nomination process when awarding its highest civic honour.

Derby City Council is proposing for the vote for the Freedom of Derby to be a more "rigorous" selection process.

The idea will be voted on at Wednesday's annual general meeting.

The new criteria may include a nominated candidate who has brought "distinction" to the life of the city and enhanced its reputation in the area or activity concerned.

Under the plans, nominations may be brought by any serving councillor to the (council's) chief executive and must contain the support of at least 10 councillors.

Commenting on the plan, councillor and mayor of Derby, Alan Graves, said: "If another group of people, in other words, council officers, decide who us as councillors can bring forward, there is a degree of control, and I don't agree with it."

Legendary Rams manager Brian Clough is one of a select band to have the Freedom of Derby

Currently a serving councillor can call a motion at a full council meeting requesting a nomination for the Freedom of Derby to be considered, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

This needs to be seconded/supported by another serving councillor, followed by another vote where two-thirds of councillors in attendance must vote in favour of the nominee.

Previous recipients of the honour include former Derby County manager Brian Clough, Olympic gold medallist swimmer Adam Peaty and world boxing champion Sandy Ryan.

Derby pub landlord Steve Kirk, who raised £120,000 for charity, will be awarded the Freedom of Derby at a forthcoming civic ceremony.