Paul O'Grady could be about to get the freedom of the borough where he was born in a posthumous tribute. Councillors are due to vote next week on whether to award the honour just over two months after the entertainer's death.
O'Grady, who found fame with his drag persona Lily Savage and later presented TV shows under his own name, was born in Birkenhead on the Wirral. He died in March at the age of 67.
In a statement, Wirral Council said: “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 discuss whether to award the Freedom of Wirral at a regulatory and general purposes committee on Wednesday, June 7. The agenda item for the meeting 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.”
