Plans to award Paul O’Grady freedom of Wirral as tribute to his legacy
E
ntertainer Paul O’Grady could possibly be posthumously given the liberty of Wirral as a part of plans to pay tribute to his legacy.
Councillors will vote subsequent week on whether or not to award the honorary freedom of the borough to the TV presenter, who was born in Birkenhead, Wirral, and died in March on the age of 67.
O’Grady grew up in Merseyside however later moved to London, the place he discovered fame as his drag alter-ego Lily Savage and went on to host a string of tv programmes.
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In an announcement, Wirral Council stated: “Since the sad passing of Birkenhead’s legendary entertainer Paul O’Grady in March, we’ve heard the many asks for us to celebrate his legacy and we agree.
“The first step in doing so will see councillors consider a recommendation to bestow the star – who first found fame as the self-proclaimed ‘blonde bombsite’ Lily Savage – with the honour of freedom of the borough.
“This would recognise his years entertaining the nation, along with his dedicated activism and charity work.
“We are also looking at other ways to pay tribute to the legacy of both Paul and Lily – more details will be shared as soon as we have them.”
Councillors will talk about the award at a regulatory and normal functions committee on Wednesday, June 7.
The agenda merchandise for the assembly states: “This is a very significant step for the council to take.
“Very few people have been awarded this status and, it should only be awarded to someone who has made an exceptional contribution to the borough.”