Former council leader, Alderman Jack Kemp, could receive Freedom of Stafford Borough after being nominated for his "huge contribution" to the area.

It is the highest honour the council can bestow on an individual and is only granted in cases where a person has made a remarkable contribution to the local community.

Alderman Kemp, who was an elected councillor for fifty years, would be joining Winston Churchill, who received Freedom of Stafford Borough in 1946 as recognition of his leadership during World War Two and more recently local hero, kayaker Joe Clarke, who won a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Sir Ian Dudson, former Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire and his wife Lady Jane Dudson have also been nominated by leader of the Borough Council, Aidan Godfrey.

On April 14, an extraordinary meeting will be held at which two thirds of the elected members must vote for the recommendation to grant Freedom to the nominees.

If the candidates are successful, they will be presented with a 'Freedom scroll' and sign the 'Freedom of the Borough' book which dates back to 1899.

Cllr Godfrey said: "Jack's contribution to our area has been huge. He was one of the architects of the borough council as we know it today and continued to serve our residents and businesses selflessly for 50 years. 

"This achievement is unrivalled and will never be matched now – with the borough council due to be replaced in 2028.

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 "Sir Ian and Lady Jane have given exceptional service and made outstanding contributions to the local community, organisations and charities during their long and distinguished service to Stafford Borough and the county as a whole."

Sir Ian was Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire from 2012 to 2025 and High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 2010. 

In the 2025 New Year's Honours he was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (KCVO) in recognition of his dedicated service to the Crown and the Stafford community.

If the recommendation is agreed upon next week, Alderman Kemp, Sir Ian and Lady Dudson will be granted Freedom of the Borough at a meeting in July.