New aldermen for East Devon

Honorary post for people who have stood down or didn't get re-elected

Eleven former East Devon district councillors have been appointed as honorary aldermen in recognition of their contribution to the communities they represented and to the council they served. Although they are no longer elected representatives, aldermen can attend civic functions or council meetings. They don't get paid.

Douglas Hull and Jill Elson are the longest serving councillors of the aldermen appointments, each having represented their communities for 36 years. Mr Hull, who represented Axminster, served on many committees on the council and was vice-chairman of the housing review board.

Roger Giles served on the council for 24 years representing Ottery St Mary and held a number of positions of responsibility, including chairman of the scrutiny committee. 

Peter Burrows represented Seaton for a total of 13 years and among some of the senior posts he held was chairman of the scrutiny committee.

Jill Elson, who represented Exmouth, served on a wide range of committees, panels and forums and was portfolio holder for communications , communities and sustainable homes and communities.

Paul Diviani, served on the council for 20 years, representing the Yarty ward, taking on many positions of responsibility, including chairman of the council, economy portfolio holder, economy and regeneration portfolio holder, leader of the council and strategic development portfolio holder.

Graham Godbeer, who represented Axminster for 12 years, held several posts within the council including chairman, portfolio holder for the economy and chairman of the licensing and enforcement committee.

Steve Hall, also represented his Budleigh ward for 12 years. Among the many posts he held, he was vice chairman of the licensing and enforcement committee and chairman.

John Humphreys who represented Exmouth, was member champion for asset management and member champion/lead councillor for Exmouth Town from and a number of other posts.

Former Seaton councillor Jim Knight represented the town for 18 years and served on a number of committees, panels and forums including licensing and enforcement where he was vice-chairman, and scrutiny vice-chairman.

Former Exmouth councillor Pauline Stott served on the council for 20 years and held many posts including deputy portfolio holder for communities, vice chairman of the council, and chairman of the housing review board.

Mark Williamson who represented Exmouth for 12 years, served on several committees, panels and forums including the development management committee where he was chairman.

Cllr Ben Ingham, Leader of the Council, said: “It has been a privilege to serve with each of them over the years. They gave given so much to their communities in different ways. I believe this is a fine tradition we have of recognising their work and saying thank you.”