A FORMER Leominster MP is to receive a county honour.

Peter Temple-Morris is one of three men who will be recognised by the city of Hereford on May 10.

He will be appointed Chief Steward, one of the city’s oldest and most historic titles, while the Mayor’s office has also confirmed there will be new holders for the positions of Honorary Recorder and Deputy Chief Steward.

The Chief Steward title, now largely ceremonial, dates back to the Elizabeth I charter of 1597 and confirms the city’s right to appoint “one illustrious and discreet man”.

The new recipient, The Lord Temple- Morris of Llandaff and Leominster, is well known in Herefordshire and was MP for Leominster from 1974 to 2001.

He came to power as a Conservative but sensationally joined Labour in 1998 a year after retaining his seat. He was also suspended from the Tory party in 1997 over commitment issues and became a life peer in 2001.

Lord Temple-Morris said he was honoured by the invitation, and hoped to strengthen his links with the city and the county.

“I was taught at Cambridge by the retiring Chief Steward, Lord Slynn, so this is a pleasing natural progression,” he said.

His Honour Judge Toby Hooper QC will take on the position as Honorary Recorder, essentially a modern version of the historic Recorder title.

The circuit judge sits regularly at Hereford Crown Court and has a strong family connection with the city.

Hereford is unusual in having a Deputy Chief Steward, appointed to cover in times of absence or illness.

That position goes to The Lord Carlile of Berriew QC, who has been Honorary Recorder of the city since 1994.

“It’s a great honour to be appointed Deputy Chief Steward and to continue serving the good of the city,” he said.