Veteran ex-Sandwell councillors to be honoured by borough
Alderman to be appointed at meeting on Tuesday
Two long-serving former councillors are to be made honorary alderman at a special meeting of Sandwell Council on Tuesday.
Steve Melia, who was first elected in 1983, is nominated for the honour, alongside Robert White, who sat on the council for 16 years.
Councillor Melia was first elected as Labour councillor for Wednesbury South, and later represented Great Barr with Yew Tree ward.
The 79-year-old served as mayor during the 2025/26 municipal year, and was the council’s armed forces champion.
He was nominated by council leader Councillor Ray Nock on the basis that ‘ Mr Melia has been an exemplar for the Royal British Legion and a key person in remembrances and armed forces meetings’.
Mr White served was first elected as Liberal Democrat member for Great Barr ward in 1991, and later switching to the Conservatives, and most recently standing as a candidate for Reform UK.
Councillor Nock said Mr White was being nominated in recognition for a successful motion he made in 1992 to establish a comprehensive disability agreement and equal opportunities policy framework.
The honours are due to be formally conferred at a special meeting of Sandwell Council tomorrow (Tuesday) night.
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