A former Bishop of Liverpool is set to receive the Freedom of the city for his role in uncovering the truth about the Hillsborough disaster.
James Jones chaired the independent panel which led to the verdict of accidental death imposed on the 96 Liverpool supporters killed being overturned in 2012.
The 68-year-old retired from service in 2013 but remains involved in the Hillsborough probe as an adviser to the Home Secretary on the tragedy.
He said: “Receiving the Freedom of the City underlines the honour that it has been to serve the people of Liverpool, especially the families of the 96 and the survivors.
“The city has never wavered in its support of them and to become a freeman of this city is a permanent reminder to me of the way the families have fought and been vindicated in their struggle for truth, justice and accountability.”
Liverpool City Council’s decision to award Reverend Jones the city’s highest civic honour comes just three weeks after he was knighted in the New Year honours list.
Lord Mayor Roz Gladden said: “Bishop James has been a towering figure in Liverpool life for almost two decades, championing the city and speaking up on behalf of those with no voice.
“We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude for his work leading the Church of England in the city and latterly chairing the Hillsborough Independent Panel which shed light on what really happened during and after the disaster.
“It is right and proper that we convey and formally record our thanks for his incredible passion, commitment and loyalty to the city by awarding him the Freedom of Liverpool.”