Tories in Plymouth reject honour for Michael Foot

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

Conservatives on Plymouth City Council today refused to name a new development after one of Plymouth’s – and Labour’s – most famous sons, the late Michael Foot.

Devonport Councillors proposed that one of the new streets in the Mount Wise Development should be named after the late Michael Foot, a former Devonport MP and a Freeman of the City of Plymouth. But Tory Councillor Ian Bowyer said the suggestion would be too “overtly political”.

Labour Counciilor Nicky Wildy responded that:

“We needed more recognition of Michael in the Area. The Mount Wise proposal was the first opportunity to put that right. To describe our suggestion as political is an insult. Michael had a long association with the area. Residents tell me they used to hear him speak at Devonport Guildhall. Michael gave all he had to Plymouth.”