Richard Caborn awarded city’s highest honour, Freedom of the City

Richard Caborn at the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park site

Richard Caborn has today been recognised for dedicating his life to Sheffield and its people, being awarded the city’s highest honour, Freedom of the City.

Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Sioned Mair Richards bestowed Mr Caborn, Former Sheffield MP and Minister, with the honour during a special meeting of Council members today (Wednesday 14 December) in gratitude for his contribution to the advancement of sport in Sheffield, nationwide and internationally, and, in doing so, rendering eminent services to the City.

Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Sioned Mair-Richards, said: “I cannot think of a more worthy and deserving candidate than Richard Caborn to receive the highest honour we can bestow, Freedom of the City.

“He is undoubtedly one of Sheffield’s finest and his dedication is clear to see from his life’s work. Most people retire from Parliament and live a quiet life, Richard retired and immediately put his efforts into improving Sheffield and the lives of our citizens. Thanks to him we have the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park and within it the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, which are making such a difference to people’s lives now and for our future, perfectly reflecting his Ministerial career and his passion and love of Sheffield.

“Richard’s heart and soul goes into everything he does, always putting this city first, and it is my absolute privilege to name him an Honorary Freeman. We will look forward to celebrating his achievements and this honour during an official ceremony in the New Year.”

Mr Caborn will follow in his father, George Caborn’s footsteps who was given Freedom of the City in 1981, with them being the only father and son to be bestowed this high honour.

Leader of Sheffield City Council, Councillor Terry Fox said: “Richard has served this city in everything he’s done – not only throughout his political career but following that, he has tirelessly fought to show how great our city is and to make Sheffield an even better place, a stronger place, a fairer place and a place where our future generations can thrive.

“His visions are ambitious, some have thought too ambitious, but Richard has the energy and enthusiasm to match, and he delivers every time. His legacy, the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park is going from strength to strength, leading the way in sport, health & wellbeing research and advancement, transforming the former Don Valley site into a unique centre that is fit for and invests in our future.

“Let’s not forget Richard’s strength of character. He stands up and fights for what he believes in, and this is something we should all aspire to. He gave significant support for the Anti-Apartheid movement in Sheffield and nationally, earning the friendship and respect of Nelson Mandela, and setting an important example for us all.

“We owe Mr Caborn a huge debt for everything he has done and I know that Sheffielders will reap the benefits of his efforts for many generations to come.”

Richard Caborn said: “Sheffield is the city where I was born and bred and have worked all my life. I’m truly honoured and immensely proud, like my father George before me, to receive the Freedom of the City of Sheffield. 

“I have had the privilege of proudly representing Sheffield for more than 30 years, firstly as Member of the European Parliament, then as Member of Parliament for Sheffield Central in the House of Commons.

“I have been able to work over the years with so many talented people in all walks of Sheffield life and, through my connections, helped set up the world-class Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and now lead a team of dedicated people in delivering the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.”

A formal reception in recognition of this award will take place in the new year. Details will be shared once this has been agreed. 

About Richard Caborn

Born in Sheffield in 1943, Richard Caborn left school at the age of 15 for an engineering apprenticeship at Thomas Firth and John Browns. Always active in the trade unions, in 1979 he turned to politics full-time to become MEP for Sheffield in the newly formed European Parliament where he was elected chair of the British Labour Group.

In 1983 he became MP for Sheffield Central, a seat he held until 2010 during which time he chaired the powerful Trade and Industry Select Committee and held three Ministerial portfolios on regional policy, trade and industry, and sport – playing a leading role in the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games bid.

Richard joined the Anti-Apartheid Movement when he was a trade union official in the 1970s and was a founder member of Sheffield Anti-Apartheid Group. He served as the Anti-Apartheid Movement’s national Treasurer from 1989–1994 and also became Secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Southern Africa.

Since leaving Parliament, Richard has maintained his passion for both sport - including his beloved Sheffield United - and industry.

The 79-year-old is currently the chair of Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park - a unique place and project delivering a better future for all through transformational health and wellbeing research, innovation, and applied technology.

About Honorary Freedom of the City

The procedures for admitting Honorary Freemen originated in the Honorary Freedom of the Borough’s Act 1885 and were included in the Local Government Act 1972.  Certain Local Authorities are empowered to admit as Honorary Freemen persons of distinction and persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent services to the Authority.

Honorary Freemen do not enjoy any constitutional privileges but admission as an Honorary Freeman has the deeper significance of receiving the highest honour the City can bestow, and it is conferred sparingly.

The Freedom of Entry accorded to Armed Services gives a right on all ceremonial occasions of exercising the privilege of marching through the City “with colours flying, drums beating and bayonets fixed.”

Full list of Honorary Freeman of Sheffield