Three former councillors have been made honorary Aldermen and Alderwoman at a special meeting (Wednesday 20 May).

Les Bullock, Justin Johnson and Sheila Cartwright notched up more than 45 years’ service between them on Cannock Chase District Council.

The recommendation in a report to the council asked that Members conferred the title of Alderman and Alderwoman in ‘recognition of their eminent service to the district.’ The recommendation was unanimously agreed.

Certificates of recognition will be presented to them at a meeting of the full council in July.

The new leader of Cannock Chase Council is Paul Jones.

Councillor Jones is the Reform Group leader on the district council and represents the Hednesford Green Heath Ward. He was voted in as leader at the annual council meeting yesterday evening (Wednesday 20 May).

He takes over from Steve Thornley.

The current political make-up of the council is that Reform has 14 seats, Labour 10 seats, with eight seats for the Conservatives, three for the Green Party and one Independent.