Veteran Staffordshire councillor, 92, steps down after 32 years service
A veteran councillor who was first elected just days after retirement is standing down 32 years later.
Roy Wright was 60 when he first took his seat on South Staffordshire Council in May 1987 – the week after he retired from a management role at Goodyear.
He is currently cabinet member for welfare services, as well as representing residents of Wheaton Aston, Bishopswood and Lapley.
At three elections he won his seat back unopposed and he is currently the joint second-longest serving member on the authority.
But in May, at the age of 92, he will step down from his district council duties after serving eight terms of office.
On Tuesday fellow councillors paid tribute to his lengthy service with a standing ovation at their final full meeting before the May election.
Council chairman Len Bates said: “He has served this council very well over the last 32 years."
During that time he has served as chairman of the council during 1997-98 and became a member of the executive in 2001 and cabinet member in 2012.
He has been a member of the planning committee from 1987 to date and has served on numerous committees.
He has also found time to represent the council on a number of outside bodies, including South Staffordshire Sports Council, South Staffordshire Citizens’ Advice and South Staffordshire Business Forum.
Councillor Bates added: "On behalf of members and officers I would like to thank Roy for his sterling work over the past 32 years.”
Councillor Wright responded: “I would like to say a great thank you to all of you for your support over the years. In particular I would like to thank all the staff for their help over the years.
"I think one of the reasons for the success of this council is the great relationships between the staff and officers and between members and officers. I hope that will continue in the future.
"I’m very disappointed this is happening. But when you get to 92 it’s about time I went.
"Finally I would like to say thank you to my wife for all her support over the years.
"I wish you all the best in future elections and long may the council continue to be a success.”
