- Daniel Cook and Robert Pritchard receive the title
- The title recognises their important work as members of Tamworth Borough Council
- Announced at council meeting last night
At full council last night (Tuesday 10 September) two dedicated public servants were recognised for their many years of service to the people of Tamworth with an honorary title.
The title of honorary alderman has been awarded to former councillors Daniel Cook and Robert Pritchard following a unanimous vote by councillors.
The title of honorary alderman/alderwoman is conferred upon former borough councillors who have served the authority for a minimum of three consecutive terms. On average 12 years continual service.
Daniel Cook was first elected to Tamworth Borough Council in 2004 and served five consecutive terms. He was leader of the council for 10 years.
Robert Pritchard was first elected to Tamworth Borough Council in 2004 and served five consecutive terms. He was deputy leader of the council for 12 years.
In nominating Daniel, Councillor Thomas Jay said: “All of us in here know that it takes a lot of personal time and sacrifice to be in here doing this. We do it for the right reasons. It takes up a lot of your life and Danny did all of those things for many years so it’s only right to give him this honour”.
In nominating Robert, Councillor Jeremey Oates said: “The sacrifice Danny gave, Rob mirrored. In supporting Danny, it’s only right we support Rob. We should be grateful for some of the changes Rob has brought to Tamworth with his service over the last 20 years.”
In accepting the title, Daniel Cook said: “I want to thank the members of this council for presenting myself for this award, I am humbled and honoured by it. It’s a good council and a great town. I look around this chamber and there’s a lot of fresh faces and a lot of new people and I really wish you all the luck in the world. What you need to remember as members is that actually there’s a reason for the complications sometimes, you want to get it right. Don’t get infuriated with it. It’s the way it is. Embrace it, work with it and you’ll achieve. Thank you.”
Robert Pritchard went on to say: “Thank you to all the members, when you say 20 years it hasn’t felt like 20 years it’s felt like five minutes. For those wanting to get involved in the council, I say do because I have enjoyed every single second of it. I’ve seen many faces come and go, some have come back and I’ve made many friends along the way and it’s just an incredible opportunity to do something for your town. So anybody who does want to get involved in the council, do it because you won’t regret it.”