I was honoured to receive the Honourable Alderman of Devon status at yesterdays Devon County Council meeting, held at Sandy Park, Exeter. It’s a bit of a long service medal for County Councillors who have, usually, been around a long time. I received a gong and a parchment. I’m not much into gong wearing, and not sure when I will ever actually wear it….I may need to take advice on that!

All recipients ( Stuart Barker from Ashburton and “Gentleman” John Clatworthy of Dawlish, were the only other Teignbridge residents awarded the title) were invited to make a speech, and having thanked those responsible for giving me the award I spoke briefly as follows,

” In a year or so I will have engaged in front line political activity for 50 years. Perhaps 35/40 years ago I changed my employed role and started a new career as a teacher of “A” level politics, my motivation being the publics ignorance I was experiencing on a day to day basis. My efforts have clearly made no difference as the level of political knowledge remains IMO woefully and dangerously low.

Social media has given the ignorant and bigoted another platform for their dubious contributions to political debate….lies, innuendo, wilful distortion of reality are now commonplace. Some even get elected pedalling their untruths.

Democracy is in a dangerous place. In thanking you for this honour I implore all cllrs, new and old alike, to resist the political populism now sweeping local national and international politics.

Contrary to commonly held myth, politics is an honourable occupation, too often undertaken by some with less than honourable intent. Please do all in your power to uphold democratic and honest principles, and in so doing serve your people well.

Thank you.”

PS.

I am most appreciative of all the numerous congratulatory comments which have come my way in the last few days. Phone calls, emails and even ” strangers” in the street….very many thanks to you all!!!

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