Three former Cannock Chase councillors receive civic title after 36 years of service combined

Three former district councillors who clocked up a combined 36 years’ service to Cannock Chase residents will receive a civic title in recognition of their dedication.

Les Bullock and Justin Johnson are to be named Honorary Aldermen, while Sheila Cartwright will become an Honorary Alderwoman, after former colleagues unanimously agreed to the move at an extraordinary council meeting this month (May 20).

All three lost their district council seats at this month’s elections. Labour members Mr Bullock and Mrs Cartwright were nominated for the civic honour by former council leader Tony Johnson, while Conservative Mr Johnson was nominated by another former council leader, Olivia Lyons.

Speaking at the extraordinary meeting, she said: “He served for 14 years and throughout that time I feel he made a very genuine difference to the organisation and to the wider community. He has served with commitment, professionalism and a real sense of care for the people he represented, and he has earned the respect of colleagues across the chamber.”

Mr Johnson, who represented the Etching Hill and the Heath ward, was a district councillor for 14 years, from 2012 to 2026. During the Conservative administration of the authority he was cabinet member for Environment and Climate Change, and also served on the shadow cabinet, overseeing the Culture and Sport and Environment and Climate Change portfolios.

Mr Bullock served 16 years in total on the council across three periods: 1996-2006, 2007-2011 and 2024-2026, and his most recent ward was Hawks Green with Rumer Hill. His roles included shadow cabinet member for Community Safety and Environment-related shadow portfolios.

Mrs Cartwright, who represented Hednesford Pye Green, served on the district authority for 16 years, from 2010 to 2026. During her tenure her she chaired the Planning Committee and Licensing and Public Protection Committee, as well as being vice chair of the Town Centre Policy Development Committee and Audit and Governance Committee.

Councillor Johnson said: “The phrase ‘a safe pair of hands’ is unfortunately misused, but in practice it means somebody who is reliable and that’s Les Bullock. Someone once said ‘Councillor Bullock doesn’t say much, but when he does it’s worth listening to’.

“Similarly, Sheila Cartwright has made a significant contribution. She is the type of person that holds a community together and her devotion to her family is well-known.”

The title of Honorary Aldermen or Alderwoman can be awarded to a retired councillor who has served at least 12 years – or three terms in office – on the authority and is considered to have rendered eminent service to the district. The three latest recipients are set to receive certificates of recognition at a full council meeting in July.

They will also have their names inscribed on an Honours Board located in the council’s Civic Suite. They will also be able to attend and take part in the council’s civic ceremonies.