Hammersmith and Fulham Council is preparing to bestow its highest honours on former Mayor and long serving councillor, Michael Cartwright, by giving him the Freedom of the Borough and making him an alderman.

The formal decision will be made at a Special Council Meeting, to be held at 8.30pm on Wednesday 27 February, at the rising of
the Ordinary Council meeting which starts at
7pm.

The report to the meeting says: " Mr Kenneth Michael Cartwright has been a dedicated public servant throughout his life, being an advocate for more open government and public involvement in decision-making, while supporting and delivering justice through his peerless
service as a local magistrate.

"He was elected as a Hammersmith Broadway ward Councillor in 1992 – a position he held for 26 years (1992 to 2018). Prior to this, he was an Ipswich Borough Councillor for 12 years, and a Suffolk County Councillor for 5 years.

"He was the Cabinet Member for the Environment in the former Labour administration for many years and became the Deputy Leader of the Opposition in 2006. He served on the planning and licensing committees for many years.

"His diligent attention to detail was invaluable to the planning committee, in considering the Earls Court and West Kensington redevelopment plans – the largest regeneration project in Europe. He has been a powerful advocate for residents in relation to the planning system and has fought hard to give them as much involvement as possible in the process. He has also helped give local people an increased role in decision-making, making it possible for local people and residents groups to speak at council meetings.

"In 2014, he became the Deputy Leader until 2017. He ended his local government political career as the Mayor of the Borough during the 2017/18 municipal year. During his time on the Council, he served our local residents and businesses with diligence and hard-work, carrying out regular surgeries, dealing with thousands of people’s casework. He dedicated his time to serving
all in our community from different walks of life.

" He has been an enthusiastic and supportive governor of three schools in the borough since 1992: Flora Gardens Primary School, Sacred Heart High School, Larmenier and Sacred Heart Primary School. He has also provided dedicated public service as one of the Council’s representative to the Mortlake Crematorium Board from 2004 to 2018, having chaired the Board for 9 years. He also served on the Western Riverside Waste Authority.

" In 2016, he stepped down as Bench Chairman at Hammersmith Magistrates Court, after 13 years as a magistrate. He was also Deputy Chairman of Central London Magistrates, covering the three merged benches of West London, City of Westminster, and City of London. He was admired by many in local legal circles as a fair and wise Chairman and will be much missed.

"During his time on the Bench, he was a strong supporter of moves towards a locally accessible justice system for all; and was judged to have good character, understanding and communication, social awareness, maturity and temperament, sound judgement and commitment and reliability. He gave a great deal of his free time to the Bench, in excess of the day-to-day requirements of sitting in court and was a great supporter of the Specialist Domestic Violence
Court at Hammersmith Magistrates Court. He continued to fight for the future of the court, even after stepping down from the Bench.

"His courts and council work coincided in his dedicated support for the Impact project, offering advocacy and support for victims and those at risk of domestic violence: the future of which he helped to secure through council funding, when it was under-threat of closure.

" In recognition of his achievements, it is recommended that the Mr Kenneth Michael Cartwright JP, FRICS be bestowed the honour – Freeman of the Borough and Honorary Title – Alderman of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham."

When serving as Mayor during 2017/18 Mr Cartwright gave his support to Hammersmith & Fulham Foodbank and the Barons Court Project by nominating them his Mayoral charities.

The report to the meeting included many warm letters of support for the honour from colleagues and friends.

Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Cowan wrote: "I have known Mike Cartwright for 24 years. His contributions to the local community, the Labour Group, this Council and London are beyond compare. I know he made many friends across our borough and won the respect of many
more. I think it’s fair to say we are all very proud of Mike and everything he achieved. He is a good man who has dedicated his life to public service. I am therefore delighted to propose this honour for Kenneth Michael Cartwright."

Hammersmith Broadway Cllr PJ Murphy said: "It’s no exaggeration to say he was a role model to me and I benefited greatly from his wise council and care for his constituents. All councillors owe a debt of gratitude to the wisdom, foresight and sense of civic duty Mike provided.
He exemplified exactly what it means to be a Councillor.

"I can think of nobody better suited to this honour."

Local resident Mary Smith added simply: " He was always determined to give his best.
Overall, Mike is a thoroughly decent man, who deserves recognition."

February 22, 2019