16 former Staffordshire county councillors with almost 300 years of service between them made Honorary Aldermen
Former county councillors who had clocked up almost 300 years of service to Staffordshire between them have been made Honorary Aldermen.
The 16 veteran community leaders each served at least 12 years on Staffordshire County Council – and two of them led the authority during their terms of office.
All of them departed the authority in May following the county council elections. Six had already decided to step down ahead of the polls, but the remaining 10 lost their seats when Reform UK swept to victory, including former council leader Alan White and his predecessor, Philip Atkins.
Mr Atkins, who represented Uttoxeter Rural, was also one of the longest-serving councillors, first elected in 1987. He was not present on Thursday however when current county councillors voted to make him an Honorary Alderman, alongside 14 fellow Conservative colleagues at a special meeting.
Mark Sutton, another former Conservative member, who represented Brewood, was also absent from the meeting. There were 14 other Honorary Aldermen present, who were recognised for their “eminent services” to the authority, including Alan White who served as council leader until May, and former Labour Opposition Group leader Charlotte Atkins.
Council leader Ian Cooper, speaking at Thursday’s meeting (October 9), said: “It’s good to see so many people past and present. When this first went over my desk (asking) can I agree to this and allow the awards to go forward, I thought no problem, why be churlish in politics?
“These people have served Staffordshire to the best of their ability and we hope to follow that as well. At the end of the day we are elected to serve the people and therefore it is only right that we, as people in this chamber, recognise the service and dedication these people have done for the county of Staffordshire.”
Opposition group leader Councillor Philip White said: “This is a strange and bittersweet experience for me as somebody who served with all the former councillors that you see sat amongst you – a constellation of stars. We simply don’t have time for me to go into detail about every single one, but suffice to say I lost count when I got past 200 years of service to this county.
“The service to this county represented amongst the 16 former councillors really is the point – that’s what we’re honouring today. I will simply say thank you – all of us are here to serve our great county and I am glad we can present you with a small token of our appreciation today.”
Former Staffordshire County Council members made Honorary Aldermen at Thursday’s special meeting
Charlotte Atkins (Leek South 2013-2025)
Philip Atkins (Uttoxeter Rural 1987-2025)
Mike Davies (Wombourne 2013-2025)
Mark Deaville (Cheadle and Checkley 2013-2025)
Janet Eagland (Lichfield Rural North 2005-2025)
John Francis (Stafford Trent Valley 2009-2025)
Gill Heath (Leek Rural 1997-2025)
Ian Parry (Stone Rural 1997-2025)
Kath Perry (Cheslyn Hay, Essington and Great Wyrley 2005-2025)
David Smith (Lichfield Rural South 2013-2025)
Mark Sutton (Brewood) 2013-2025)
Stephen Sweeney (Newcastle South 2009-2025)
Alan White (Lichfield Rural East 2009-2025)
David Williams (Penkridge 2023-2025)
Mark Winnington (Gnosall and Doxey 2005-2025)
Mike Worthington (Churnet Valley 2011-2025)
