A VETERAN County Councillor first elected to serve Staffordshire more than 35 years ago is one of 13 members set to depart the authority in May.
Hednesford’s Derek Davis, who represents the Cannock Chase division of Chadsmoor, joined Staffordshire County Council in May 1985. But he has decided not to contend his seat at the forthcoming county council elections, alongside several other members.
He told fellow members this week: “I wouldn’t be leaving the county council except for my ill health.”
On Thursday, at the last full county council meeting before residents go to the polls on May 6, members were told who had decided to stand down from the authority.
The retiring members are the following:
- Ben Adams (Conservative), elected 2009 to represent Perrycrofts (Tamworth)
- Alastair Little (Conservative), elected 2017 to represent Amington (Tamworth)
- Natasha Pullen (Conservative), elected 2017 to represent Lichfield City North (Lichfield)
- Martyn Tittley (Conservative), elected 2013 to represent Lichfield Rural West (Lichfield)
- Helen Fisher (Conservative), elected 2017 to represent Burntwood South (Lichfield)
- Ron Clarke (Labour), elected 2011 to represent Burton Town (East Staffordshire)
- Maureen Compton (Labour), elected 2005-2009 and re-elected in 2013 to represent Stafford Central (Stafford)
- John Cooper (Conservative), elected 2017 to represent Bradwell, Porthill and Wolstanton (Newcastle)
- Derek Davis (Labour and Co-operative Party), elected 1985 to represent Chadsmooor (Cannock Chase)
- Keith James (Conservative), elected 2013 to represent Perton (South Staffordshire)
- Trevor Johnson (Conservative), elected 2017 to represent May Bank and Cross Heath (Newcastle)
- Bryan Jones (Conservative), elected 2017 to represent Hednesford and Rawnsley (Cannock Chase)
- Kyle Robinson (Labour and Co-operative Party), elected 2017 to represent Talke and Red Street (Newcastle-under-Lyme)
Councillor Kath Perry, chairman of the county council, encouraged fellow members to join in a round of applause for the retiring members at Thursday’s full council meeting.
She said: “May I take this opportunity, on behalf of the council, to extend my sincere thanks to those members who are not seeking re-election May for the service they have given to this council and to the people of Staffordshire.
“Between them, they have given over 114 years’ public service to this county and it is right we pay tribute to them for the valuable contribution they have made to the communities they have served across this great county. I am sure that all members of this council will wish to join me in wishing them well for the future.”
Fellow councillors also paid tribute the work of their departing colleagues.
Council leader Alan White said he was just 15 when Councillor Davis was first elected onto the authority almost 36 years ago – and Councillor Davis’ public service stretched back even further.
Staffordshire County Council’s County Buildings in Martin Street Stafford where county council meetings are held. Photo by Staffordshire LDR Kerry Ashdown.
Councillor White added: “He’s actually been at it for 50 years one way or another. That is an exceptional stint in anybody’s book. I would like to thank Councillor Davis for his long service to the authority.
“Whilst we’re looking narrowly here at people’s contribution to Staffordshire County Council I know that everybody on that list makes contributions in other ways to public life. I know that people are school governors, they’re in voluntary groups, they’re on parish, district and borough councils. They’ve made a tremendous contribution over the years.”
Councillor Charlotte Atkins, leader of the opposition group, said: “I too want to pay tribute to all councillors retiring in May – of course some of us might join them, but at the moment we’re not intending to.
“We have to thank them for their service. For some people it is the icing on the cake. It is a difficult role and some people find they prefer other roles in public service.
“On the Labour side, our retiring councillors have brought an unrivalled union expertise, a keen focus on cultural matters and a youthful councillor who has shown us all the best way to carry out that role.
“Derek was elected to Chadsmoor in 1985 and he has a wealth of experience he’s shared with the group. He was deputy leader of the council when Terry Dix led the Labour administration.
“Derek is rightly proud of his 15 years as chair of Staffordshire Fire Service. He received his OBE for that role and I doubt anyone will match that commitment.
“We’re going to miss Derek – but I’m sure that Derek will keep a watchful eye on all of us going forward.”
