Honours for former Dudley councillors

Two former Dudley borough councillors have received the highest local authority honours for their community service this week.

Former Mayor, Ken Finch was made an Honorary Alderman and former councillor Richard Body was posthumously also made an Honorary Alderman, having sadly passed away in 2023. 

Ken Finch served the Castle & Priory ward between 1980 and 2023. He was also Mayor of Dudley in 1998/9.

Richard Body represented Cradley and Wollescote from 2004 to 2023. He was the former Chair of the Taxis Committee and sadly died just days after being re-elected in 2023. Councillor Hilary Bills, Mayor of Dudley, said:

“Richard and Ken epitomised what it means to be an elected member, serving their communities with great pride. They served in a number of roles which captured the breadth of the work of councillors. I am delighted we can honour them for their outstanding work.”

Karen Shakespeare, who served on the council’s cabinet for many years, is set to be made Honorary Freewoman next week.