Former Wolverhampton MP Lord Dennis Turner of Bilston has become the 22nd Freeman of Wolverhampton.

His nomination for the highest ceremonial honour the council can bestow was unanimously endorsed at a special meeting last night.

Lord Turner, aged 64, will now be presented with his specially commissioned Freedom Scroll and Casket at a civic ceremony on a date to be fixed next year.

The rarely conferred honour was awarded to Lord Turner – “a man of the people” – in recognition of the eminent services he has rendered to Bilston, where he was born and bred, the wider city and the nation.

The council’s Labour leader Councillor Roger Lawrence said Lord Turner had given sterling public service during his many years in politics, and was held in high esteem by everyone who knew him.

Lord Turner, who was at the meeting, said afterwards: “It is a great honour and a privilege.”