Norman Lamb's Crusade for Women to be City Freemen

12.00.00am GMT Sat 15th Nov 2008

Norman Lamb MP has taken up the cause of his constituent and North Walsham resident, Sue Howes who is battling to take the title of freeman from her father. They face opposition from Norwich City Council who are yet to alter 14th century tradition that the title can only be held by men.

Norman Lamb has long opposed the city council's stance that only men can be given this title, and was given added fuel to his fire when Oxford altered their stance on the issue, "I'm left asking the question if Oxford can do it why can't Norwich? That's the challenge for Norwich City Council. Oxford has demonstrated the way it can be achieved and we have got to make sure now we achieve the same breakthrough in Norwich."

Mr Lamb is hoping to meet with Government ministers soon to to press for changes to the legislation.