Nickie Aiken MP has received the Freedom of the in recognition of her long service to the capital’s governance – first as a councillor in Westminster and now as Member of Parliament for the Cities of London and Westminster.
She was nominated by Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli and the City Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward.
Nickie was first elected to Parliament serving the Cities of London and Westminster in December 2019.
Prior to her parliamentary career, she held successful roles in public relations and communications and was elected to Westminster City Council in 2006, before becoming its Leader in 2017.
This year, Nickie became Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party Board, having previously served as Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, Vice-Chair of the Conservative Party, and Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Ministerial Team at the Department for Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Nickie is currently a Vice-Chair on the All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) for Antisemitism, Cycling and Walking, Menopause, Political Literacy, Renters and Rental Reform, Theatre, Ticket Abuse, Co-Chair on the APPG for Medical Cannabis under Prescription, and sits on the APPGs for London as a Global City, United Nations Women, and Women’s Health.
Lord Mayor Professor Michael Mainelli said:
“It is a privilege to award Nickie this Freedom in recognition of several years’ continued and dedicated public service.
“Today we show our appreciation and give thanks for all that she has done as a fierce champion of women’s rights. Nickie has campaigned to raise awareness around menopause and fertility treatment and break down the barriers towards it in the workplace, including through her Workplace Fertility Pledge.
“On behalf of the entire Square Mile, we congratulate her on receiving the Freedom today.”
City Corporation Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, said:
“I am delighted to support the Freedom of the for Nickie, who has represented the Cities of London and Westminster with distinction for the last four years.
“Nickie is to be commended for her sterling work on child safety, women and equality, and increased assistance for private renters.
“I hope that she will regard the City’s award today as recognition of the high esteem in which we hold her.”
Nickie Aiken MP said:
“I feel incredibly privileged to have been awarded the Freedom of the City.
“The Square Mile will always have a special place in my heart. It was my first home in the capital when I moved to London in 1997 and I am truly honoured to be the first woman to represent the City in Parliament since the constituency was established in 1298.”
One of the ’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.
As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
Recent high-profile recipients include Professor Dame Sarah Gilbert, who initiated and led the development of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine; former England football captain and former Tottenham Hotspur striker, Harry Kane; theatrical impresario, Sir Cameron Mackintosh; and LGBTQ+ activist and London Night Czar, Amy Lamé.
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