The Full Council of Lancashire County Council met on Thursday, 16 July 2026, to formally recognise the eminent service of nine former councillors by conferring upon them the status of Honorary Alderman. The meeting unanimously approved the motion to grant this honour, acknowledging the cumulative 176 years of dedicated service these individuals have provided to the county.

Appointment of Honorary Aldermen

The primary business of the meeting was the conferral of Honorary Alderman status upon nine former councillors: Mr Terence Aldridge, Mr Peter Britcliffe, Mr Francesco De Molfetta, Mr John Fillis, Mr Steve Holgate, Ms Andrea Dawn Kay, Mrs Jennifer Mein, Mr John Shedwick, and Mr Matthew Tomlinson. This honour is bestowed upon former councillors who have rendered eminent service to the council, with a general guideline of having served at least four terms. The nine nominees collectively represent 176 years of service to Lancashire County Council, with individual service ranging from 16 to 24 years.

Each nominee was introduced by a fellow county councillor who spoke about their significant contributions and dedication during their time serving the people of Lancashire.

• Mr Terence Aldridge was nominated by County Councillor Mark Clifford. Mr Aldridge served for 20 years, representing Scalmersdale Central. He held roles including Vice Chairman and Chairman of Lancashire County Council and was a champion for older people. His service extended to numerous committees and outside bodies, including the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority.

• Mr Peter Britcliffe was nominated by County Councillor Tim Ashton. Mr Britcliffe served for 20 years on Lancashire County Council, representing Oswaldtwistle. He also served for approximately 40 years on Hyndburn Council, including 12 years as leader and a term as mayor. His influence on local government in East Lancashire was highlighted, particularly his advocacy for investment and regeneration in Accrington Town Centre.

• Mr Francesco De Molfetta was nominated by County Councillor Mark Clifford. Mr De Molfetta served for 20 years, representing Preston East. His contributions included work on the Commons and Towns Green Subcommittee, the Regulatory Committee, and the Pension Fund Committee. He also served as chairman of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority.

• Mr John Fillis was nominated by County Councillor Kim Snape. Mr Fillis served two periods on the council, totalling 20 years. His roles included Chief Whip for the Labour group, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport (overseeing the Heysham Bypass completion), and Deputy Leader of the Opposition. His career in the NHS as a nurse for 45 years was also noted, alongside his continued involvement in local politics and charity work.

• Mr Steve Holgate was nominated by County Councillor Mark Clifford. Mr Holgate served for 16 years, representing Chorley Central. He was a champion for disabled people and environmental issues, famously bringing a bucket of sewage into a council chamber to highlight environmental damage. He also chaired the Health Scrutiny Committee and served on various other committees and outside bodies.

• Ms Andrea Dawn Kay was nominated by County Councillor Alf Clemson. Ms Kay served for 16 years, representing the Field Coast area. She was a strong advocate for children and young people, instrumental in establishing a skate park. Her service included chairing scrutiny committees for Children's Services and Education. She also dedicated time to fundraising for various children's causes.

• Mrs Jennifer Mein was nominated by County Councillor Samara Barnes. Mrs Mein served for 20 years, representing Preston South East. Her extensive roles included Leader of the Council, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People. She also established the Lancashire Women's Network in 2014.

• Mr John Shedwick was nominated by County Councillor Alf Clemson. Mr Shedwick served for 24 years, entering politics after a career in theatre management. He served as Chairman of the Council in 2012, a significant year for Lancashire, and was a member of the Lancashire Combined Fire Authority for 20 years, serving as vice-chairman for seven.

• Mr Matthew Tomlinson was nominated by County Councillor Kim Snape. Mr Tomlinson served in two periods, totalling over 20 years, representing Leyland Central. His roles included chairing the Overview and Scrutiny Management Panel and serving as Cabinet Member for the Environment, Sustainable Development, and later Children, Young People and Schools. He is currently the leader of South Ribble Borough Council.

The motion to confer the title of Honorary Alderman upon these nine individuals was proposed by County Councillor Stephen Atkinson, Leader of the County Council, and seconded by County Councillor Azhar Ali OBE, Leader of the Opposition. The vote was unanimous, and the motion was carried. Following the vote, each recipient was invited to come forward to receive their certificate and make a brief response. The meeting concluded with congratulations to the new Honorary Aldermen and a reminder of the ordinary Full Council meeting scheduled for later that afternoon.