Alderman Jack Kemp has been awarded the Freedom of Stafford Borough in recognition of more than 50 years of service to the council. The honour was presented at a full council meeting on Tuesday 21 July by Mayor of Stafford Borough Councillor Mark Winnington.
Alderman Kemp, who also served as Mayor of the Borough, joins a select group of recipients. His name has been entered into the Freedom of the Borough book, which dates back to 1899.
Notable recipients
Other recipients of the Freedom of the Borough include Winston Churchill, who was awarded the honour in 1946 to recognise his leadership during the war. Olympic Kayak champion Joe Clarke received the Freedom in 2016, presented in front of more than 10,000 people at the Christmas Lights Switch on in Stafford following his gold medal triumph in Rio.
Recognition of service
Alderman Kemp was nominated for the award for his "huge contribution" to the area, with councillors unanimously backing the decision. Councillor Aidan Godfrey said: "Freedom of the Borough is not given very often. It is the highest honour we can bestow on a person and nobody deserves this more than Alderman Jack Kemp."
He added: "He has given over 50 years' service to this council — an achievement that is unique and will never be bettered. He has helped hundreds of people over the years and many people's lives have been improved because of his help."
Alderman Kemp said: "It is an honour to join a select group of people who have been given the Freedom of the Borough." He thanked friends, councillors and officers for their support during his 50 years of service.