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62 years a councillor, Peterborough honours former city mayor Charles Swift
Charles Swift passed away in August 2022 aged 92
A lasting memorial to the man believed to be the country’s longest-serving councillor is to be created in Peterborough. During the annual council meeting at Peterborough Town Hall on Monday, members agreed to re-name the square adjacent to Sand Martin House after former councillor and city mayor Charles Swift OBE.
A memorial plaque dedicated to Mr Swift, who passed away in August 2022 aged 92, will also be installed there.
Councillor Marco Cereste, the mayor of Peterborough, said: “I’m delighted that the incredible legacy of Charles Swift will live on in Peterborough with this special memorial.
“We have been thinking about ways of honouring Charles for some time and feel that this will serve as a fitting tribute for his unique achievements, which our council is proud to be associated with.”
Charles Swift was elected to the North Ward on 1 July 1954, becoming the youngest ever member of the city council at the age of 23.
Charles Swift: a city councillor in Peterborough for 62 years. He is thought to have been the longest serving councillor in the country
He served residents there until 2016 when he retired after 62 years’ service and was believed to be the longest serving city councillor in the Country. Charles led the council, as well as being mayor and deputy mayor for the city.
Charles also played a key role in the biggest development period of the city in the 1960’s. In 1985 he was awarded an OBE for services to public and he also received the Freedom of the City for Peterborough.
He stood down from the council in 2016 after serving for 62 years.
You can watch the annual council meeting back here.
