Sir Graham Brady receives City Freedom
The Rt Hon Sir Graham Brady, Chairman of the 1922 Committee and member of the Conservative Party, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London in recognition of his extensive public service.
Sir Graham Brady has served as the Member of Parliament for Altrincham and Sale West since 1997.
His career includes roles as Shadow Minister for Schools, Shadow Europe Minister, and a whip.
In his capacity as chairman of the 1922 Committee, a position he has held since 2010, he represents the interests of backbench Conservative MPs and oversees the leadership elections of the Conservative Party.
Beyond politics, Sir Graham is a former Governor of Manchester Metropolitan University, a Member of the Hamblin Education Trust, a patron of the Counselling and Family Centre in Altrincham, and a supporter of Stockdales, a charity aiding children and adults with learning disabilities in Manchester.
Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City Corporation, stated:
“It is an honor and a privilege to bestow Sir Graham with this Freedom in recognition of his extensive public service. Today, we express our gratitude for all he has done for Parliament and his involvement in numerous noble causes across the country.”
Bob Wigley, Chair of UK Finance and a Past Master of the Guild of International Bankers, said:
“Graham Brady is a most deserving recipient of the Freedom as he has long supported the City and the financial services ecosystem, recognizing its central role in supporting the UK economy.”
Rt Hon Sir Graham Brady commented:
“It is a special honor to be awarded the Freedom of the City of London, a part of an age-old tradition that is also linked to such a vibrant and successful segment of the British economy. One of the ancient traditions of the City of London, the Freedom is believed to have started in 1237 and allowed recipients to conduct their trade.”
In addition to being nominated for or applying for the Freedom, it is also presented by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a significant achievement.
Recent high-profile awardees include theatrical legend Sir Cameron Mackintosh, LGBTQ+ activist and London Night Czar Amy Lamé, Deputy Governor of the Bank of England Sir Jon Cunliffe, and Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who spearheaded the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.