Published: Tuesday, 26th May 2026
Three former councillors have been made honorary Aldermen and Alderwoman at a special meeting yesterday evening (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.
Members heard that during his total of 16 years in two spells on the council from 1996, Les Bullock sat on various council committees. Sheila Cartwright also served 16 years from May 2010 and had been chair of the Planning Committee during that time - among other positions. Justin Johnson was on the council for 14 years from 2012 and was previously the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change as one of his many appointments on the authority.
Les and Sheila were nominated for the honour by Councillor Tony Johnson. He described Les as a ‘safe pair of hands’ who deserved a lot of credit for all he had done in the district - and said Sheila had made a significant contribution and had ‘held a community together.’
Councillor Olivia Lyons nominated Justin Johnson and told the extraordinary meeting that he had made a genuine difference to the organisation and wider community.