Sir Ian Dudson and Lady Jane Dudson have jointly received the Freedom of Stafford Borough, the highest civic honour the borough council can award.
The couple were presented with a Freedom Scroll at a council meeting on Tuesday 8 September and added their names to Stafford’s 126-year-old Freedom of the Borough book.
Stafford Borough Council said it believed this was the first time the honour had been awarded jointly.
Recognition for public service
Sir Ian served as Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire from 2012 until 2025 and was High Sheriff of Staffordshire in 2010. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in the 2025 New Year Honours for service to the Crown and the community.
Lady Jane said receiving the award was a “huge honour” which had “brought a tear to my eye”.
Council leader Aidan Godfrey said: “Sir Ian and Lady Dudson 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.”
Opposition leader Councillor Jeremy Pert praised the couple’s “down to earth approach” and their support for Staffordshire’s voluntary sector.
Stafford’s Freedom Roll
The honour is reserved for people or organisations considered to have rendered eminent service to the borough. Previous recipients include Winston Churchill and Olympic canoe slalom champion Joe Clarke.
Former council leader Alderman Jack Kemp was admitted to the roll in July after more than 50 years of service to the borough council.
Further information is available from Stafford Borough Council.
