He was made a Freeman of the Borough of Wallsend on 25 April 1963, an honour shared with Aneurin Bevan, who was granted it on 18 October 1952.
He and Aneurin Bevan were both recognized as Freemen of the Borough of Wallsend, a distinction granted to them on different dates: April 25, 1963, and October 18, 1952 respectively.