common council

Ms Blanchett's and Mr Dunbar's names were included on a list of more than 50 people nominated to receive the Freedom, which was approved at a Court of Common Council.

According to the website for neighbouring Tower Bridge, the alternative version of what happened became a "popular rumour", but was "vehemently denied" both by Robert McCulloch and by Ivan Luckin from the City’s Common Council, who arranged the sale.

In March, the Milwaukee Common Council unanimously approved rules that, among other things, requires people protesting within the convention’s general security zone to march a specified route.

Mr. McBride had said in a message that neither he nor the Common Council “imposed” the earlier directive, and believed the matter would “blow over soon.”

Alderman Andrew Meindl, who has announced he will challenge Mr. McBride for the mayoralty in 2024, said on Facebook the matter had not been brought before the city’s Common Council and the administration should turn its attention to “maintaining quality city services” and other priorities.