The city of Liverpool has nominated eight individuals to become Citizens of Honour for their unique contributions to the city and beyond. The nominations include Professor John Ashton, the Reverend Canon Dr Crispin Pailing, Leroy Cooper, Chrissie Byrne, and the four members of The Real Thing. The honourees will be considered for approval at a Full Council Meeting on July 24.
Professor John Ashton, former student of Quarry Bank High School, founded the Liverpool Public Health Observatory and set up one of the first syringe exchange programmes in Liverpool. He was also the Regional Director of Public Health for North-West England for 13 years and initiated the World Health Organisation’s Healthy Cities Project. Rev Dr Crispin Pailing was made Rector of Liverpool in 2014 after graduating in classics from Oxford University. Chrissie Byrne, the chair and organiser of the Friends of Walton Hall Park, was one of Liverpool’s most passionate green space campaigners.
Leroy Cooper, a lifelong photographer who was also a performance poet and DJ, captured the life of Liverpool, particularly the Black community in L8. He left an archive of over 250,000 images before passing away in 2023. The Real Thing, formed in Liverpool in 1972, became the first Black British soul group to reach the UK Number One spot and appear on Top of the Pops. Chris Amoo and Dave Smith still perform as The Real Thing today following the deaths of their bandmates Ray Lake and Eddy Amoo.
Introduced in 2008, Citizens of Honour acknowledge individuals who have enriched the image of Liverpool or its citizens. The honours complement Freedom of the City and recognise those who have made significant, exceptional or unique contributions to their community. Lord Mayor of Liverpool Cllr Richard Kemp nominated both Professor Ashton and Chrissie Byrne for their honours. Liverpool City Council’s Head of UNESCO City of Music Kevin McManus nominated The Real Thing. The ceremonies will take place later in the year
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