At a special meeting of Walsall’s full council last night, Ian Shires, who served as a Walsall councillor from 1979 to 2021, was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Walsall.
Ian was elected to represent the Willenhall North ward in May 1979, a ward he represented continuously until May 2021, also becoming Liberal Democrat group leader in 1991. Ian’s wife Doreen entered local politics at the ‘all-out’ elections in 1980, where she became one of the first councillors to represent the newly formed Short Heath Ward. In May 2016, Doreen retired from the Council, after 36 years of continuous service. Their combined almost 80 years of public service was recognised by councillors of both political parties.
Councillor Mike Bird, Leader of Walsall Council and the Walsall Council Conservative Group formally moved the Motion to admit Ian Shires as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough and this was seconded by Councillor Aftab Nawaz, Leader of the Walsall Council Labour Group.
When addressing the meeting, Councillor Bird, reflected on how he and Ian, who had political differences over the years, always remained friends and retained mutual respect.
The meeting was held in the Town Hall rather than the Council Chamber, as the Council continues to do all it can to reduce any risk of COVID for those attending. Councillor Bird reflected on not being able to see the Boards of Freemen of the Borough which adorn a wall in the chamber. These show this is an honour rarely conferred with the last such award bestowed upon Walsall legend Noddy Holder MBE in 2014.
Councillor Bird said:
“Tonight, it gives me personally great pleasure to say to Ian and indeed to his family, this is something that is well overdue for a man who gave so much. Thank you Ian and thank you Doreen.”
Councillor Nawaz was next to rise to speak and said:
“Ian was a committed politician. More than anything, to me, Ian was a really good ward councillor who believed in making his community better. There is nothing more you could ask from a local politician.”
A number of other councillors also rose to speak to offer congratulations and share memories.
Former councillor Ian Shires was duly voted unanimously by full council to become an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Walsall. He was presented with an illuminated scroll and silver storage casket and invited to speak.
Mr Shires said:
“I’m so honoured to be receiving this award tonight; I really didn’t expect this. I feel very privileged. Thank you all for your kind words.
“If anyone asked me just how long I’d been a councillor, my answer was always ‘not sure’ — I’ve always looked at it as a four year rolling contract with the electors and that’s something none of us here tonight should ever forget.”
To conclude his speech, Mr Shires gave heartfelt thanks to his wife Doreen and their ‘fabulous’ daughters Louise and Kirsty for all their support over the years.
