Issue - meetings
Award of Honorary Title to Julian Cooper
Meeting: 22/07/2026 - Council (Item 123)
123 Award of Honorary Title to Julian Cooper 
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Purpose:
To consider conferring the title of Honorary Alderman on former councillor Julian Cooper for eminent services to the Council.
Recommendation:
That Council resolves to:
a) Confer the title of Honorary Aldermen on former councillor Julian Cooper for eminent services to the Council.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The purpose of the item was to consider conferring the title of Honorary Alderman on former councillor Julian Cooper for eminent services to the Council.
Councillor Andy Graham proposed the recommendation, highlighting Julian Cooper's many years of dedicated public service, referencing qualities of integrity, leadership, extensive knowledge of local government and commitment to the communities of West Oxfordshire.
The proposal was seconded by Councillor Andrew Coles, who paid tribute to Mr Cooper's long-standing service, commitment to residents, passion for local government and acts of personal kindness towards colleagues and constituents.
Members spoke in support of the nomination, raising the following points;
- Recognising Mr Cooper's exceptional service to the Council and the wider community.
- Paying tribute to his “encyclopaedic” knowledge of the Council's constitution and history, his dedication to representing residents, his support and mentorship of fellow councillors, and his longstanding commitment to public service.
- Members also noted his kindness, diligence and significant contribution to local government over several decades.
In summing up, Councillor Graham noted that Councillor Cooper had previously played a leading role in securing the same honour for Sir Barry Norton and emphasised that the award recognised distinguished service rather than political affiliation. The proposal was put to a vote, with the Chair noting that the Council’s constitution required a 2/3 majority for an honorary title to be conferred.
Council Resolved to:
- Confer the title of Honorary Aldermen on former Councillor Julian Cooper for eminent services to the Council.
Voting record: For 32, Against 1, Abstain 6