Ten former councillors who have made a significant contribution to Derbyshire County Council are now Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen.

They are Elizabeth Atkins, Linda Chilton, Irene Ratcliffe, Judith Twigg MBE, Anne Western CBE, Kevin Buttery, Pat Murray, Paul Smith, George Wharmby and David Wilcox OBE.

The 10 were chosen because they have rendered eminent service as past members of the county council.

Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Atkins became a county councillor in 2005 serving the division of New Mills for 16 years. Beth also had a spell as the main speaker for the Liberal Democrats.

Linda Chilton was elected as the county councillor for Melbourne in 2013 and served until 2021 She was appointed Council Chairman in 2017.

Irene Ratcliffe was a county councillor for the Wirksworth division from 2005 to 2009 and then again from 2013 to 2021.

Judith Twigg was the county councillor for the Bakewell division from 1997 to 2021. During this period, Judith was Chairman of the Improvement & Scrutiny Committee – People before becoming Vice-Chairman for the Authority in 2018 and 2019, and then Civic Chairman in 2020.

Anne Western was elected to the Chapel division of the authority in 1997 and then served as a county councillor for Barlborough and Clowne becoming leader of the council in 2013.

Kevin Buttery represented the Horsley division from 2013 to 2021. Kevin also chaired Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Authority.

Pat Murray represented the Midway and Hartshorne division from 2009 to 2013 and was then elected in 2017 in the Linton division and served for four more years.

Paul Smith served as a county councillor for the Alfreton and Somercotes division from 1996 to 2021 and became leader of the Labour group in 2020.

George Wharmby had two spells with the county council, the first one was representing the Glossop North & Rural division from 2005 to 2013 and the second as a county councillor for the Glossop & Charlesworth division from 2017 to 2021. He was appointed Chairman of the council in 2011 and again in 2018.

Dave Wilcox was a county councillor for the Etherow division from 1981 to 2017 and became Council Chairman in 2013.

Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Leadership, Culture, Tourism and Climate Change, said: “I congratulate our new Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen. All 10 have served the county with distinction and thoroughly deserve the honour.”

The new Honorary Aldermen and Alderwomen have been presented with a badge of recognition and their names recorded on a roll of honour. Six were present to receive the honour in person at a meeting of the council on Wednesday 30 November.

While they won’t have any right to participate in the meetings of the council or its committees beyond that of any member of the public, or to claim any allowances payable under the members’ allowance scheme, they will be invited to civic ceremonies, meetings and events and will be addressed by the courtesy title Honorary Alderman or Honorary Alderwoman.

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