Ellie Ames 28 June 2024

Plaque unveiled for country’s longest serving councillor

Plaque unveiled for country’s longest serving councillor image
Charles Swift's family, including his widow Brenda, with the plaque

A memorial plaque has been installed in Peterborough in honour of a man who served on the city council for 62 years.

Earlier this year, Peterborough City Council agreed to rename a square next to its offices in honour of Charles Swift, who is believed to have been the country's longest serving councillor.

The plaque commemorating Mr Swift, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 92, was unveiled at a special ceremony on Thursday.

In 1954, Mr Swift became the youngest ever member of Peterborough City Council at the age of 23.

He played a key role in a significant period of development for the city in the 1960s, and was awarded an OBE in 1985 for services to the public.

He remained a councillor until 2016, during which time he served as deputy mayor, mayor and council leader.

Peterborough mayor Marco Cereste said: ‘I’m delighted that the incredible legacy of Charles Swift will live on in Peterborough with this special memorial.’

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