King's portrait: Leigh schools and public buildings should apply

Under an £8million Government scheme, public bodies such as schools and councils can request a A3-size, oak framed copy of the photograph which was officially unveiled yesterday. 

Owen Cartey, Leigh Town councillor, has contacted Leigh Town Council urging them to consider applying for a picture to hang in the community centre, in Elm Road. 

He will also join Southend West Tory MP Anna Firth in writing to each of the schools to ensure they do not miss out on the formal photo of the King in full regalia inside Windsor Castle’s grand corridor.

Portrait - King Charles III (Image: PA)

Mr Cartey said: “I’ll be reaching out to eligible public buildings in Leigh to make sure that nobody misses out on the opportunity for a portrait.

“I understand there’ll be a national cost to this, however, I’d highlight that many of these spaces already display photographs of the late Queen, and it’s appropriate for them to have the chance to place our King accordingly.

“We’re lucky to live in a country with a constitutional monarchy and one of the oldest liberal democracies in the world.

“Governance by consent is key to our way of life, and it’s only fair public buildings are given the choice to promote British values.”

The portraits are expected to be delivered between February and April.

However, Liberal Democrat Leigh Town councillor Carole Mulroney questions if the Government should spend £8million on the scheme as opposed for it going towards improving public services.

She added: “Any right-minded person would think £8million is a lot of money. Rather than a photo, it could be spent on better things, including improving public services, such as schools.

“However, I’m a monarchist and supporter of the Royal Family, so if Leigh’s public buildings want one, then I’m all for it.”

The picture was taken by photographer Hugo Burnand who had also taken the official pictures of the Coronation.