Council recognition for years of community service

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has appointed 11 former long-serving councillors as Honorary Aldermen following a motion which received unanimous support at last night’s special council meeting.

The 11 nominees have made notable contributions to both the borough council and the wider community, typically serving for at least 12 years and holding positions of significance such as Mayor, Cabinet member, committee chair or group leader.

The new appointments bring the total number of Honorary Aldermen in the borough to 37.

Council Leader Jonathan Gullis said:

The position of Honorary Aldermen allows the council to recognise those who have dedicated themselves to serving the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme.

 

These exceptional individuals will become ambassadors for the borough, attending our most important civic events throughout the year. They may use the title for the rest of their lives, a lasting testament to their unwavering service to the community.”

An inauguration ceremony will take place later this year for –

David Allport: Served as a borough councillor for 12 years between 2011 and 2018 and 2022 and 2026, including as vice-chair of the Audit and Standards Committee, Cleaner, Greener and Safer Communities Scrutiny Committee and Economic Development and Enterprise Scrutiny Committee.

Gillian Burnett-Faulkner: Served as a borough councillor for 16 years between 2004 and 2008, 2011 and 2015, and 2018 and 2026, including as Mayor in 2022/23, and as chair of the Conservation Advisory Working Party and vice-chair of the Audit and Standards Committee.

Sylvia Diamond: Served as a borough councillor for 11 years between 2015 and 2026, making significant contributions to the Royal British Legion in Kidsgrove, including as chair of the Staffing Committee.

Trevor Johnson: Served as a borough councillor for 12 years between 2002 and 2003 and 2015 and 2026, including as Cabinet member and chair of the Conservation Advisory Working Party.

Paul Northcott: Served as a borough councillor for 12 years between 2014 and 2026, including as Cabinet member and chair of the Planning Committee.

Mike Stubbs: Served as a borough councillor for 14 years between 2012 and 2026, including as Leader of the Council, Labour Group Leader, Cabinet member and chair of the Audit and Standards Committee.

Stephen Sweeney: Served as a borough councillor for 20 years between 2006 and 2026, including as Leader and Deputy Leader of the Council, Conservative group leader and Cabinet member.

Paul Waring: Served as a borough councillor for 15 years between 2011 and 2026, including as chair of the Audit and Standards Committee and the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee.

Ian Wilkes: Served as a borough councillor for 20 years between 2004 and 2016 and 2018 and 2026, including as Mayor in 2016/17, chair and vice-chair of the Health, Wellbeing and Environment Scrutiny Committee.

Gillian Williams: Served as a borough councillor for 33 years between 1993 and 2026, including as Mayor in 2001/02, chair of the Cleaner, Greener and Safer Communities Scrutiny Committee and vice-chair of the Licensing Committee.

John Williams: Served as a borough councillor for 31 years between 1995 and 2026, including as Mayor’s Consort in 2001/02, Cabinet member and chair of the Cleaner, Greener and Safer Communities Scrutiny Committee.

Pictured left to right are David Allport, Gillian Burnett-Faulkner, Sylvia Diamond, Trevor Johnson, Paul Northcott, Mike Stubbs, Stephen Sweeney, Paul Waring, Ian Wilkes, Gillian Williams and John Williams.