Liberal Democrat Group Leader Councillor Howard Sykes MBE has received an early Christmas present – confirmation that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait will be on display at the Civic Centre by the start of HM’s Platinum Jubilee year in 2022.

In late October, Councillor Sykes wrote to the Council Leader and Chief Executive asking for portraits to be displayed in the Council Chamber and at the Civic Entrance Reception, and he is ‘delighted’ that his request has now been agreed to.

Commenting on the good news, Councillor Sykes said: “Our Queen is both our country’s longest reigning monarch and our ultimate public servant, having for seventy years served this nation faithfully as Head of State.  In 2022, we will have the opportunity to celebrate this achievement and to give our thanks for our Sovereign’s dedication to public life.”

“It is also doubly important now in the Covid-19 pandemic, as she once again demonstrates real leadership, as she did earlier in the pandemic, in stark contrast to the shambles at No. 10 Downing Street,” added Councillor Sykes

“In my view it is only fitting that we properly mark this Platinum Jubilee milestone by having portraits of our Queen on display at the Civic entrance and in the Council Chamber itself.  Having met the Queen in person I, for one, will find her presence inspiring.”