Rugeley councillor elected as chair of Cannock Chase Council

It is the second time in four years that Councillor Alan Dudson has been elevated to the top seat at the district authority, having previously served as Cannock Chase Council’s chairman during 2017-18.

The Labour member represents Brereton and Ravenhill on both Cannock Chase Council and Staffordshire County Council.

Councillor Dudson was elected by 23 votes at the council’s annual meeting, and the runner-up was Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald, who gained 16 votes.

One of Councillor Dudson’s first actions as chairman was to use his casting vote to elect Councillor Paul Witton to be his vice chairman, after Councillor Witton and fellow candidate Councillor Fitzgerald each received 20 votes.

But Councillor Dudson’s new term of office is now getting off to a quieter start than the previous one as public events and civic engagements he would normally be invited to attend as chairman are currently unable to take place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Dudson is also yet to choose a charity to support during the next year, but said after the meeting it would be a local cause.

He added: “It’s a pleasure to be elected for the second time in four years to this prestigious job. I’m looking forward to representing the authority.

“But even in this position on the council my residents will always come first.”