William Eichler 15 April 2026

Stafford trio join Churchill in borough's highest honour

Stafford Borough Council has unanimously voted to award its highest honour to three individuals in recognition of their service to the area.

Former council leader Jack Kemp, former Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Sir Ian Dudson, and his wife Lady Jane Dudson will receive the Freedom of Stafford Borough at a ceremony in July.

Alderman Kemp served as an elected councillor for 50 years and also served as Mayor of the Borough. Council leader Aidan Godfrey, who put forward all three nominations, said Kemp's five decades of service was ‘unique and will never be bettered.’

Sir Ian served as Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire from 2012 to 2025 and was appointed Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in the 2025 New Year's Honours. Lady Jane Dudson was recognised for her supporting role in promoting the borough.

The three will sign the Freedom of the Borough book, which dates back to 1899. Previous recipients include Winston Churchill, honoured in 1946, and Olympic canoe slalom gold medallist Joe Clarke, who received the honour in 2016.

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