Sir Ken Morrison set to receive Freedom of the City (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Sir Ken Morrison set to receive Freedom of the City

11:25am Tuesday 6th July 2010

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Bradford’s highest honour looks set to be bestowed on supermarket guru Sir Ken Morrison following a special meeting of Bradford Council next week.

Sir Ken retired as chairman of Bradford-based Morrisons in 2008 after more than 50 years with the firm, which was started by his father William from a Bradford market stall in 1899.

Bradford Council leader, Labour’s Councillor Ian Greenwood, is among the district’s politicians who are keen to see Sir Ken made a freeman of the city.

He said: “I’ve known Ken Morrison for many years. He’s an outstanding Bradfordian and a credit to the city.

“He has always stuck by Bradford, as Morrisons’ HQ is still in Bradford. I think it’s important we recognise his contribution to the city over very many years.”

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, the Conservative group leader, said: “His links with Bradford are unquestionable. It’s where Morrisons started in the market with a cheese stall. So it’s only fitting we offer this honour.”

A formal vote is required at an extraordinary meeting of the Council to be held in City Hall, Bradford, next Tuesday. If successful, a civic ceremony will be held at a later date, to be conducted by the district’s first citizen, the Lord Mayor.

Sir Ken’s name would join that of author JB Priestley, who was the first to be admitted to the roll of Honorary Freeman of the City in 1973. Since then the Council has added five more names to the list.

Queensbury brass band Black Dyke Band was admitted in 1976 and in 1997 former MP Barbara Castle, was added to the distinguished list. In 2000 artist David Hockney was admitted, followed by former Bradford Bulls coach Brian Noble in 2006.

Most recently the 4th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment was admitted earlier this year.

Sir Ken, who was born in Lister Avenue, Bowling, is now honorary president of the firm which has grown from a family stall to the country’s fourth largest supermarket.

His father’s business included stalls in John Street and Rawson markets in Bradford and in Dewsbury markets.

The first Morrisons in Bradford was opened in the former Victoria Palace cinema in Girlington in 1961 – and now there are 425 stores across the country.

Sir Ken was chairman and managing director from 1956 to 1997. He was awarded the CBE in 1990 and knighted in 2000.

The Freedom of the City is the district’s most prestigious honour and is awarded to men and women of note who have lived or worked in the city.

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