Four former councillors with 100 years of combined experience have been recognised for their service to Leicestershire.
Honorary Aldermen is a title given to highlight the exceptional service of people who have reached the end of their political careers.
Nominations are considered every four years with this year’s marking a group who all served at least 20 years.
David Bill MBE was first elected to the county council in 1981, representing the Hollycroft division in Hinckley.
His 45 years included serving as Chairman for the 2005-2006 county council year. Throughout his decades in office, he was a member on environment and highways scrutiny committees.
Dr Kevin Feltham became a county councillor in 2001 for East Gartree, later Gartree division in Harborough. He served as both cabinet member and on various committees. He was also chairman of the county council between 2022-2024.
Richard Shepherd represented Sileby on the Wolds in Charnwood from 2005-2025. He was a cabinet member, scrutiny commissioner and was also vice-chairman of the council for 2024-2025.
Betty Newton was the councillor for Loughborough North for twenty years from 2005 to the last elections in May.
During her time as a county councillor, she served mainly on the overview and scrutiny committees responsible for scrutinising adult social care and health matters.
“I’m proud to be able to present all four former councillors with their much-deserved honorary aldermen medals.
“Serving your local communities for at least two decades takes drive and a desire to improve resident’s lives. They have all diligently served their local communities and richly deserve this recognition."
Person:Councillor Paul Harrison, chairman of Leicestershire County Council
15 other former councillors have been given the Honorary Aldermen title. Find more information on the Honorary Aldermen webpage.