Posted on Friday 10th October 2025
The Honorary Aldermen were appointed at County Buildings in Stafford
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 Thursday 9 October
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.
The sixteen recipients of the title are:
- Charlotte Atkins: in recognition of her eminent services as a past member representing Leek South from 2013 to 2025.
- Philip Atkins: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Uttoxeter Rural from 1987 to 2025.
- Mike Davies: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Wombourne from 2013 to 2025.
- Mark Deaville: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Cheadle and Checkley from 2013 to 2025.
- Janet Eagland: in recognition of her eminent services as a past member representing Lichfield Rural North from 2005 to 2025.
- John Francis: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Stafford Trent Valley from 2009 to 2025.
- Gill Heath: in recognition of her eminent services as a past member representing Leek Rural from 1997 to 2025.
- Ian Parry: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Stone Rural from 1997 to 2025.
- Kath Perry: in recognition of her eminent services as a past member representing Cheslyn Hay, Essington and Great Wyrley from 2005 to 2025.
- David Smith: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Lichfield Rural South 2013 to 2025.
- Mark Sutton: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Brewood from 2013 to 2025.
- Stephen Sweeney: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Newcastle South from 2009 to 2025.
- Alan White: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Lichfield Rural East from 2009 to 2025.
- David Williams: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Penkridge from 2013 to 2025.
- Mark Winnington: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing Gnosall and Doxey from 2005 to 2025.
- Mike Worthington: in recognition of his eminent services as a past member representing 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.
Speaking about the appointments, Paul Williams, Chairman of Staffordshire County Council, said:
“It was a great honour to bestow one of the council's highest awards on a group of people who have worked tirelessly for our county and for the people of Staffordshire over many years.
“These individuals have dedicated much of their life and time to help improve the lives of residents across the county and it is a great pleasure to see them receive such prestigious recognition.
"While their new roles are ceremonial, I am sure they will continue to give unique and valuable support to the people of Staffordshire at every opportunity.”