University of Liverpool’s Professor Michael Parkinson has been named a Citizen of Honour by Liverpool City Council.
The Executive Director of the University’s Heseltine Institute for Public Policy and Practice, and Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor, said he was “proud but humbled” to receive the prestigious award.
He has an international reputation and is a key ambassador for the city, lecturing nationally and internationally and is also an advisor on urban affairs to organisations such as the European Commission.
He was responsible for establishing the acclaimed European Institute of Urban Affairs at Liverpool John Moores University.
His most famous book is Liverpool on the Brink, which chartered the city’s political and economic struggles in the 1980s.
Professor Parkinson said: “I am very proud but humbled to receive this honour.
“Liverpool made me. It educated me. It gave me a home, friends and work. Most important Liverpool gave me a voice as a writer. And it gave me a wonderful subject to write about – one of the most interesting cities in the world.
“I am so glad I live with my family in this self-confident, generous, open and increasingly successful European city.”
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, said: “I am delighted to be able to bestow the Citizen of Honour title on Professor Michael Parkinson.
“He has lived and breathed the city for decades, from the economic turmoil in the 1970s and 1980s through to the stunning regeneration and improvements that have taken place in more recent times.
“He has made a real and lasting contribution to Liverpool life, helping influence and shape the progress of the city he loves.”
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “There are few people who have a more in depth knowledge of Liverpool’s past and present than Professor Parkinson.
“He is the equivalent of a best friend to the city – someone who knows our strengths and weaknesses inside out and, while supportive, is never afraid to offer frank and honest advice because he has your own best interests at heart. We are very fortunate to have him.”
Citizen of Honour was introduced by Liverpool City Council in 2008 to formally recognise individuals who have made a significant, exceptional or unique contribution to enriching the life of the city.
Recipients include Bill Shankly, Liverpool World War Two veterans, April Ashley, Dr David France and Lewis Biggs.