Ex-council leader and charity founder among Freeman of the City of London awardees

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A former council leader and charity founder are set to be awarded The Freeman of the City of London. 

Labour’s Philippa Marsden, who led Caerphilly County Borough Council from November 2019 until May 2022, alongside Helping Caring Team (HCT) founder Hayley Thomas, will receive the award at the Guild Hall, London.

The honour is bestowed by the City of London, in agreement with The Freeman of The City of London in Islwyn Association, upon a valued member of the community.

Ms Marsden was the first female leader of Caerphilly Council and was also one of the youngest councillors to take on the role – she was 52 at the time.

In the May 2022 council elections, Ms Marsden lost her seat in the Ynysddu ward.

Meanwhile, Ms Thomas, from Oakdale, founded the Blackwood-based HCT in 2019. The charity provides help and advocacy to homeless and vulnerable people across Caerphilly, Newport, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.

At the ceremony, being held on Thursday, September 22, the prospective Freemen will be invited to read the ‘Declaration of a Freeman’ and to sign the Freeman’s declaration book.

Others who have been awarded Freeman of the City of London status include members of the Royal Family and former Prime Ministers and world leaders, as well as entrepreneurs, religious leaders, musicians, television personalities and sports stars.