Three long-serving Conservative councillors – Barry Lewis, Simon Spencer and Robert Parkinson – have been appointed Honorary Aldermen of Derbyshire in recognition of their exceptional contribution to the county over many years of public service. They were joined on the day by a further four former councillors who were also appointed Honorary Aldermen: Jean Innes, Dave Allen, Ron Mihaly (Labour) and Barry Bingham (Liberal Democrat).
The Honorary Alderman title is one of the highest civic distinctions the council can give, awarded to former members who have given outstanding service to Derbyshire and its residents.
Barry Lewis, who represented Wingerworth and Shirland from 2009 until 2025, led the Conservative Group from 2014 and served as Leader of Derbyshire County Council from 2017. He is only ever Conservative Leader to win two successive elections and terms of office in the history of the Council. His time in office saw the authority through an extraordinary period, including the COVID-19 pandemic, national financial pressures caused by global events, and major incidents such as the Whaley Bridge dam emergency and repeated flooding. Barry was a strong advocate for Derbyshire’s environment, driving ambitious climate work, and championing culture, heritage, tourism and local businesses.
Simon Spencer, councillor for Dovedale from 2009 to 2025 and a long-serving district councillor before that, has been a dedicated champion for Ashbourne and its surrounding communities for decades. As Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Highways, and later for Corporate Services and the Budget, Simon oversaw major reforms and delivered a record investment programme in the county’s roads, doubling the highways capital budget to £120 million as part of a three-year plan.
Robert Parkinson’s service to Derbyshire is exceptional, representing the Breaston division from 1967 to 1974 and again from 1977 until 2025. Over that time he held a wide range of senior roles, including Chairman of the Regulatory Licensing & Appeals Committee, Vice-Chairman of the Audit Committee and serving as Civic Chairman of the Council in 2019. His contribution over nearly six decades has made him one of Derbyshire’s most respected and enduring public servants.
Cllr Alex Dale, Leader of the Conservative Group at Derbyshire County Council, said:
“Barry, Simon and Robert have each given extraordinary service to Derbyshire and to their communities. Barry’s leadership during some of the most challenging years any council has faced, Simon’s decades of commitment to Ashbourne and his leadership on highways and council services, and Robert’s remarkable near-60 years of public service have all made a lasting impact on our county. I am delighted to see their dedication recognised in this way.”
“I also want to congratulate Jean Innes, Dave Allen, Ron Mihaly and Barry Bingham. Each of them served with real commitment and pride, and today’s recognition highlights the dedication shown by councillors across all parties in supporting Derbyshire and its residents.”
Pictured: Aldermen Simon Spencer and Barry Lewis.