Britain's longest-serving councillor steps down after 53 years

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 12:55 · Archive

David Jeffels, believed to be Britain's longest-serving senior authority councillor, will stand down at the next election in May after 53 years in local government.

David Jeffels, aged 82, will step down as a councillor for Derwent Valley and Moor next May after 53 years in local government. The National Association of Councillors says it is not aware of another elected councillor of a senior authority who has served more than half a century.

Jeffels has continuously represented the rural Derwent Valley villages since 1973, when he was elected to Greater Scarborough Shadow Council. He went on to serve on North Yorkshire Council and the North York Moors National Park Authority, and is now an Honorary Alderman. He reached the highest position in North Yorkshire local government by becoming Chairman of the County Council and was the youngest Mayor of Scarborough in 150 years.

Before joining the senior authority, he served on Hutton Buscel Parish Council for 37 years, including several terms as chairman. His career has included meetings with members of the Royal Family and thousands of council meetings. Jeffels said it had been 'a great privilege to have served this lovely part of Yorkshire and the county as a whole, working with dedicated people, especially parish councillors, who share my enthusiasm for its residents and their well-being'. He is looking forward to spending more time with his wife Marilyn, their son Lyndon, daughter Siobhan, and four grandchildren.

Britain's longest-serving councillor steps down after 53 years — Image: Gazette & Herald (Malton)

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How it is being reported

Britain's 'longest-serving' councillor to stand down after 53 years in North YorksONE of the country's longest-serving councillors will step down at the next election after more than five decades in local government.Gazette & Herald (Malton) · 9 Oct, 12:30
Britain's 'longest-serving' councillor to stand down after 53 years in North YorksONE of the country's longest-serving councillors will step down at the next election after more than five decades in local government.York Press · 9 Oct, 12:30

In this story: David Jeffels · North Yorkshire Council · North York Moors National Park Authority · Derwent Valley · Scarborough

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