Councillor Colin Lambert leads tribute to Lord Barnett

Councillor Colin Lambert led a tribute to the former Heywood MP Lord Joel Barnett at Monday's Heywood township committee meeting.

Lord Barnett died at his home on Saturday after a short illness.

Councillor Lambert said: “I was honoured to present Lord Barnett with the Freedom of the Borough in April. To me, he represented Heywood and represented the people of Heywood. He was best known for his formula for Scotland and when we were at the Freedom of the Borough ceremony, he confirmed that the Joel Barnett Formula should be dead and buried and needed reform.

“He represented many people in his seat and would do eight parliamentary surgeries. He would go from Heywood, over to Royton and did eight surgeries. He was always about the people.

“He had a tremendous following and it was nice to see so many people at the Freedom of the Borough ceremony to celebrate his life and achievements.”

Councillor Lambert also added that a celebration of Lord Barnett’s life will take place in the New Year.