Alderman honour for former councillors
Sixteen former Staffordshire County Councillors have been made Honorary Alderman for their contributions in their local communities.
The former serving councillors, including previous council leaders, were appointed Aldermen at a meeting of the county council on October 9.
Among them are current South Staffordshire Council chairman Kath Perry, in recognition of her eminent services as a past member representing Cheslyn Hay, Essington and Great Wyrley from 2005 to 2025. David Williams was also honoured in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Penkridge from 2013 to 2025.
The title of Honorary Alderman is amongst the highest awards that can be made to former councillors, recognising their invaluable contributions and service to the community and the council. Other recipients are Janet Eagland, who served Lichfield Rural North from 2005 to 2025; Alan White, who served Lichfield Rural East from 2009 to 2025 and David Smith, who represented Lichfield Rural South from 2013 to 2025.
Also honoured were: Charlotte Atkins, who represented Leek South from 2013 to 2025; Philip Atkins. who served Uttoxeter Rural from 1987 to 2025; Mike Davies, for his services as a past member representing Wombourne from 2013 to 2025; Mark Deaville, former Cheadle and Checkley ward member from 2013 to 2025; John Francis, former Stafford Trent Valley member from 2009 to 2025; Gill Heath, past member for Leek Rural from 1997 to 2025; former Stone Rural ward member Ian Parry, from 1997 to 2025; Mark Sutton, Brewood from 2013 to 2025; Stephen Sweeney, Newcastle South from 2009 to 2025; Mark Winnington, Gnosall and Doxey from 2005 to 2025 and Mike Worthington, who represented Churnet Valley from 2011 to 2025.
The county council also awarded the title of Honorary Freeman to Sir Ian Dudson, KCVO CBE, who served as the county’s Lord-Lieutenant between 2012 and 2025.