Alderman Jack Kemp received the Freedom of the Borough at a full council meeting on Tuesday 21 July, joining a select group that includes wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Olympic kayak gold medallist Joe Clarke.
Jack, who also served as Mayor of Stafford Borough, was nominated unanimously by councillors for his "huge contribution" to the area over more than half a century. He was presented with the Freedom Scroll by Stafford Mayor and Gnosall Borough Councillor Mark Winnington. His name has been entered into a book that dates back to 1899.
Councillor Aidan Godfrey paid tribute, saying: "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 has given over 50 years' service to this council - an achievement that is unique and will never be bettered."
Jack himself said: "It is an honour to join a select group of people who have been given the Freedom of the Borough."
The honour was first recorded in the current book in 1899. Churchill received it in 1946 for his wartime leadership, and Clarke was granted it in 2016 in front of more than 10,000 people at Stafford's Christmas Lights Switch On, following his Rio Olympics gold medal.
Source: staffordbc.gov.uk
