Actress Sue Johnston has been awarded the Freedom of Liverpool at a ceremony attended by stars including Sir Paul McCartney and football manager Jurgen Klopp. Johnston, famous for her work on TV shows such as The Royle Family and Brookside, was initially nominated for the honour in July 2022 alongside Klopp.
The former Liverpool boss paid tribute to the actress in a recorded video message, welcoming her into the group of Freemen and Women of the city. Meanwhile, Sir Paul McCartney offered words of praise and jokingly suggested that some sheep should be paraded down Castle Street to mark the occasion.
Johnston, hailed as a “national treasure” by council leader Cllr Liam Robinson, received the award during a ceremony that saw her joined by fellow Freeman Ricky Tomlinson, Colin McKeown and Sir Kenny Dalglish. Comedians Jonny Vegas and Joe Wilkinson, and Hillsborough campaigner Margaret Aspinall, also attended the event.
Reflecting on her honour, Johnston said: “I love Scousers. The wit, the heart, they’re cheeky. Everything. They mean so much to me. And to be granted the Freedom of Liverpool means so much more than anything that I’ve been awarded really. It’s humbling and to be in such great company, especially with Jurgen.” Johnston, who was appointed OBE in 2009, has also been involved in campaigns such as the Shrewsbury Two, the Miner’s strike and the Hillsborough fight for justice
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