Former Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire made Honorary Freeman by council
A former Lord Lieutenant has been made an Honorary Freeman of Staffordshire in recognition of his service to the county.
Sir Ian Dudson was Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire for 13 years before retiring in the summer on his 75th birthday.
The voluntary role saw the Barlaston resident act as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s representative in the county, and following her death in 2022 the representative of her son King Charles III. His duties included presenting honours and medals to Staffordshire residents and arranging visits to the county by members of the Royal Family, as well as promoting the work of voluntary and charitable organisations.
Sir Ian, former chief executive of the Dudson ceramics company founded by his ancestors more than 200 years ago, was appointed an Honorary Freeman by Staffordshire County Council on Thursday (October 9) “in recognition of the eminent services he has rendered to the people of Staffordshire through the performance of his duties as Lord-Lieutenant between 2012 and 2025”. Earlier this year he was also granted the Honorary Freedom of Stoke-on-Trent, during the city’s centenary celebrations, and he was knighted in the latest New Year Honours for services to The Crown.
Speaking at Thursday’s special full county council meeting, county council leader Ian Cooper said: “I’ve only recently met Sir Ian. Clearly he’s done great service to the people of Staffordshire and I thank him for that.
“I think members in this room and people in the wider audience would thank him for that. I would like to congratulate him on receiving this award from the county.”
The council’s opposition group leader Councillor Philip White said: “Your service to our county has been exceptional, both in business and in terms of your voluntary service across many fields of endeavour. I believe you were the Pro Chancellor of Keele University, so it’s interesting you have been succeeded (as Lord Lieutenant) by the Vice Chancellor of Staffordshire University (Elizabeth Barnes).
“Thank you sincerely for your service. This award is recognition of that and we are proud to be able to present it to you.”
Sir Ian thanked the council for the “wonderful honour you have bestowed upon me”. He added: “I feel very humble standing in this particular chamber with people who have given of their time in the furtherance of this great county.
“Lord Lieutenants, by definition, are passionate about their county and I’m no exception to that. I have to say the 13 or so years that I was Lord Lieutenant was a great privilege and a great pleasure.
“It was a busy period because we had a number of key events over those 13 years. I want to not only thank you for this award but also thank the council in general for the support you give to the Lieutenancy.
“This is a busy Lieutenancy and it is only as busy as it is because of the support you provide to us.”
