Three former councillors given honorary aldermen title for 'exceptional service'

Three retired councillors have been made honorary aldermen, in honour of their outstanding service to the local area.

The prestigious title was given to Byron Rhodes, Ivan Ould, and Janice Richards by Leicestershire County Council and is the highest honour the county council can bestow. 

After serving a total of 69 years on the county council between them, they were given the title of honorary aldermen for their dedication to the council. 

County council leader Nick Rushton said: “I am delighted to make Byron, Ivan, and Janice honorary aldermen in honour of their hard work and dedication to this council. It is the least we can do to recognise and thank them for all they have done for the county council and the areas they served. They deserve this position due to the exceptional service they have given to the people across the county.”

In their new positions as aldermen they will be able to:

• Attend as an observer at meetings of the council or any other meetings to which the press and public are admitted

• Attend major civic occasions in the county

• Wear the Badge of Office of Honorary Alderman on civic occasions

Former Belvoir councillor Byron Rhodes was first elected in 1997 and throughout his time he established the Corporate Asset Investment Fund. This year the Fund is valued at £187 million and will provide an income of £4.6 million. 

Former Market Bosworth councillor Ivan Ould OBE was appointed as Lead Member for Education in 1999. He also served on a number of national bodies including chairing the National f40 group that campaigned successfully for fair funding across schools. In 2019 Ivan was awarded the OBE for his services to local government. 

Former Earl Shilton councillor, Janice Richards served as the Mayor of the Borough of Hinckley and Bosworth and in 2017 was appointed the Chairman of the County Council. During her year as Chairman, Janice supported the Joe Humphries Memorial Trust, a charity which aims to promote education and training for young people and works with young people to support them in unexpected  situations.